U.S. Department of State and espnW
2015 GLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM In cooperation with The University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace, & Society
PROGRAM book
table of contents INTRODUCTION 3
Program Introduction
5
Program Partners
7
Social Media
8
Program Schedule Overview
GSMP LEGACY 9
Defining the Action Plan
10
Global Impact
12
2014 Alumnae Highlights
GSMP 2015
2
16
Emerging Leaders
17
Mentors
18
Meet the Matches
19
Matches on the Map
21
Nga Le (Vietnam) & Val Ackerman & Ann Wells Crandall (Big East Conference)
29
Carla Bustamante (Mexico) & Marina Escobar (ESPN)
37
Hanna Fauzie (Indonesia) & Kimberly Wilson (ESPN)
45
Pavithra Chandra (India) & Julie Eddleman (Google; Proctor & Gamble)
53
Caroline Maher (Egypt) & Kerry Ruggieri & Sofia Lombardo-Ramos (Ketchum Sports & Entertainment)
61
Katie Bourner (France) & Hilary Shaev (NBA)
69
Nungshi & Tashi Malik (India) & Susan Cohig (NHL)
77
Yasmian Alsharshani (Qatar) & Rhona Aime & Angela Schmelzer (PGA of America)
85
Cynthia Coredo (Kenya) & Gwen Conley (Saatchi & Saatchi LA)
93
Shanelle Barrett (New Zealand) & Joan Coraggio (Saatchi & Saatchi LA)
101
Najat Alsayegh (Kuwait) & Laura Dixon (Spurs Sports & Entertainment)
109
Cecilia Vales (Mexico) & Karen Morrison & Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak (University of Central Florida)
117
Batoul Arnaout (Jordan) & Alicia McConnell (USOC)
125
Julie Paterson (New Zealand) & Deborah Slaner Larkin (Women’s Sports Foundation)
133
Veronica Osogo (Kenya) & Kathryn Chappetto & Cindy Lupkey (Women’s Tennis Association)
GlobalSportsWomen.org
Program introduction
In a shared effort to empower women and girls through sports, the U.S.
young female leaders. Tapping into the unique power of mentoring, these
Department of State and espnW joined forces to create the Global Sports
female executives and the host organizations provide the international
Mentoring Program (GSMP).
participants with the opportunity to cultivate management and business skills in an American sports environment.
As the cornerstone of the overall U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative, the GSMP supports the U.S.
The Emerging Leaders are nominated by the U.S. embassies overseas
Foreign Policy Goal to advance the status of women and girls around the
based on their prior accomplishments and passion to make an even
world.
greater impact in their country’s sports sector. These individuals demonstrate the potential to achieve significant success in their profession
Launched by then Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and ESPN President John Skipper in 2011, the program enters its fourth year pairing emerging female leaders from around the globe with female executives at leading U.S. companies in the sports sector for a month-long mentorship experience.
and the ability to teach and guide others in their home country – particularly girls – so that they may experience the benefits of sports. For the mentorship to contribute to long-term positive change worldwide, each Emerging Leader crafts an Action Plan to implement upon her return home with the common goal of creating sports opportunities for underserved women and girls.
As part of the overall collaboration, espnW works with the State Department to secure the Mentors and host organizations for the Emerging Leaders participating in the program. Representatives from partner organizations include senior executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sector who are committed to supporting
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
The GSMP is based on a growing body of evidence that women and girls who play sports are increasingly likely to excel not only on the playing field, but in life. According to studies by the United Nations and others, women and girls’ participation in sports is an important social and
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
3
economic empowerment tool.
• Women and girls who participate in sport acquire new
professional networks and more opportunities to become
engaged in school and community activities.
• Sports serve as a vehicle for women and girls to enhance their
leadership roles and participate in decision-marking.
• Sports convene people regardless of background, culture,
gender, or belief system, and can promote greater tolerance
and understanding among individuals and communities.
• Sports teams and organized sporting activities provide an
excellent platform for promoting dialogue on the importance of
education and diversity.
• Girls’ participation in sports directly correlates with
participation in higher education and employment. A single
year of primary education correlates with a 10-20% increase in
wages later in life and a single year of secondary education
results in a 15-25% increase.
The U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative mobilizes all of the Department’s sports diplomacy efforts – from Sports Envoys traveling overseas to Sports Visitors coming to the United States – to increase the number of women and girls in sports. As the flagship component of the initiative, the GSMP fully plays into this mission so women and girls can experience the many benefits of sports. Further, the mentorship allows for Mentors, Emerging Leaders, alumnae, and other involved partners to develop a lasting relationship and mutually enhanced global network. The 2015 mentors represent the following entities: Big East Conference, ESPN, Google, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment, National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), PGA of America, Proctor & Gamble, Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, U.S. Olympic Committee, University of Central Florida, Women’s Sports Foundation, and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The 2015 class of Emerging Leaders hail from: Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Qatar, and Vietnam.
4
GlobalSportsWomen.org
PROGRAM PARTNERS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between Americans and people from around the world through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders from the United States and nearly 170 countries. Alumni of these exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY Our mission at the Center for Sport, Peace, & Society is to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, mentoring, and service. At the Center, we seek to train a new generation of changemakers who are using the intersections of sport, education, and media to tackle some of the world’s most complex issues. Using our uniquely created “4-E Model for Engagement,” we seek to Expose, Equip, Empower, and Entrust local and global audiences to use sport to make a difference. Our work is grounded in more than twenty years of sports development experience using sport to promote empowerment, leadership, and peace-building by working alongside women, girls, refugees, immigrants, student-athletes, and persons with disabilities. It is our hope that through sport individuals will become empowered change agents interested in promoting peace and inclusivity around the world.
@EWGTS || #EmpowerWomen #EmpowerWomen || facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram @EWGTS
5
Program PARTNERS espnW was launched in September 2010 as a brand built to serve women who love sports – those playing, consuming and discussing sports. espnW speaks to and inspires women, engaging them in numerous ways, across multiple platforms. Our digital foundation, espnW.com, is a site specifically for women, from the design aesthetic and mobile experience, to story selection and perspective. Key espnW.com editorial pillars include:
• In-depth coverage of female athletes and the sports they play
• Inside access and a unique point of view on sports’ biggest events
• Deeply reported, beautifully told stories about sports personalities
and the issues that matter most to women
The espnW brand encompasses digital media, events, films, radio, TV, and pro-social platforms. Our annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit is the leading event of its kind.
6
GlobalSportsWomen.org
SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICIAL GSMP HASHTAG:
#EMPOWERWOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH SPORTS INITIATIVE http://www.globalsportswomen.org facebook.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram @ewgts youtube.com/globalsportswomen flickr.com/globalsportswomen U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE/SPORTSUNITED http://exchanges.state.gov/womeninsports facebook.com/pages/SportsUnited-US-Department-of-State @SportsDiplomacy, @StateDept, @ECAatState youtube.com/exchangesvideo flickr.com/exchangesphotos instagram.com/exchangeourworld espnW http://www.espnW.com facebook.com/espnW @espnW instagram.com/espnW pinterest.com/espnW UT CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY http://sportandpeace.utk.edu facebook.com/thecenterforsportpeacesociety @sportandpeaceUT instagram.com/sportandpeaceUT soundcloud.com/sportandpeaceUT issuu.com/sportandpeaceUT
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
7
program schedule overview
SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 12
october
Emerging Leaders arrive
FRIDAY, 9
in Washington, DC SUNDAY, 13 –
Orientation and Action
SATURDAY, 19
Plan preparation
day of mentorship SATURDAY, 10
MONDAY, 21
Emerging Leaders return to Washington, DC
SUNDAY, 11 SUNDAY, 20
Emerging Leader’s last
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders arrive
debrief mentorship
at mentor host city
experience
Emerging Leaders begin on-site mentorship
MONDAY, 12 – TUESDAY, 13 WEDNESDAY, 14
Emerging Leaders present Action Plans Emerging Leaders depart for espnW Summit
THURSDAY, 15 – FRIDAY, 16 SATURDAY, 17
Emerging Leaders attend espnW Summit Emerging Leaders return home to change the world!
8
GlobalSportsWomen.org
GSMP LEGACY: DEFINING THE ACTION PLAN BUILD ACTION PLAN WITH MENTOR
Racha Kalot,
Lebanon
PRESENT TO GLOBAL NETWORK
Naira Abramyan,
Armenia
EMPOWER WOMEN AT HOME
Luz Amuchastegui,
Argentina
THE ACTION PLAN is the culmination of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) experience. During the first week of the GSMP, each Emerging Leader is charged with identifying a pressing social
ACTION PLAN THEMES
issue facing women and girls in their local communities or work place. Throughout the mentorship experience, the Emerging Leader
20%
works with her peers, program facilitators, and the mentoring team to develop a strategy for addressing this social issue through sport. The Emerging Leader draws upon the resources, knowledge, and expertise of her sisters and mentors to create well-developed “social
12% 12%
business� strategies.
6%
During the final week of the program, Emerging Leaders present their Action Plan ideas to their peers and key American stakeholders for feedback and support. Upon return to their home countries, Emerging Leaders build networks with local organizations to execute their ideas and in turn, empower more women and girls through sports.
44%
6%
Life Skills/Youth Development
22
Other*
10
More Access to Sport
6
Mentoring Networks
6
Disability Sports
3
Post-Conflict/Disaster
3
Other themes include the following: Diversity & Inclusion, Policy & Governance, Journalism, Advocacy, & Sport Growth.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
9
GSMP LEGACY: GLOBAL IMPACT 3 YEARS. 50 WOMEN. Worldwide Reach. 8 7
7
6
REGIONS East Asia/Pacific South/Central Asia
13 9
Europe & Eurasia Near East Asia Africa Western Hemisphere
IN JUST THREE YEARS, women and girls all over the world have experienced the ripple effect of the GSMP and its empowering message. By providing 50 women with the critical tools, resources,
PROFESSIONAL FIELDS
and support needed to carry out their Action Plan ideas, thousands of 16%
women and girls have reaped the benefits. In fact, of the 50 women selected for this program, 43 have implemented at least some portion,
22%
10%
if not all, of their proposed Action Plans, touching the lives of women and girls in their families, communities, schools, and work places. By passing this message on to the next generation, the GSMP is creating a living legacy of women’s empowerment and positive social change through sport.
10
28%
10% 10% 2%
2%
NGO Entrepreneur League/Federation Education Government Media Corporate Olympic Committee
GlobalSportsWomen.org
14 11 8 5 5 5 1 1
GSMP LEGACY: Global IMPACT A pre-test was conducted at the beginning of each GSMP to measure knowledge and capacity, followed by a post-test at the end of the program. The results demonstrate the program’s short-term impact. I consider myself a LEADER.
PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 35.3% Agree 41.2% Unsure 23.5%
PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 47% Agree 41.2% Unsure 11.8%
PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 29.4% Agree 41.2% Unsure 29.4%
POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%
POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%
POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%
94%
94%
OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT GSMP HELPED THEM BUILD A STRONG NETWORK OF SUPPORT
“
I can articulate the IMPORTANCE of sport for women and girls
I consider myself an EMPOWERED woman.
OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT GSMP CULTIVATED NEW ABILITIES TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN
100%
OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS INCREASED THEIR APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
IN HER WORDS
Before I went to GSMP, I thought this was a program where the organizers gather up elite women from different cultures and put them together. But, when you get there, you see women act like they’ve known each other forever. Over time, you realize they have a common conviction, and then you see it’s an environment where you can really explore yourself, and realize all the differences and problems in the world don’t separate us, but bring us together. – GSMP 2014 Alumna MAY CHEN, Singapore
“
”
“
The GSMP was a golden opportunity. I learned how to respect others, their values, cultures, religions, points of view, thoughts...how to share food, clothes, happiness, sadness, your tears, and your smile. And how to collect feelings and become a family internationally. In my society, it’s very difficult for a woman to explore herself in her own way. In the GSMP, I learned sharing -- no leg-pulling, no jealousy -- and appreciation.
” ”
– GSMP 2014 Alumna SADIA MEHWISH, Pakistan
For me, more than anything, the GSMP exposed me to support. You know when you have dreams and people don’t get it? For me, the program made those dreams matter. In my own mind, I was struggling to even envision my plan and how I could carry it out. But, suddenly I wind up at the WNBA and people like everything I suggest, and I get all kinds of support. So, the GSMP really validated my views and my plan to take basketball to girls in Zimbabwe.
– GSMP 2014 Alumna BELIA ZIBOWA, Zimbabwe
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
11
GSMP LEGACY: 2014 ALUMnae highlights DARE IT! KICK IT! – NAIRA ABRAMYAN, ARMENIA Despite having never played the sport, Naira – one of the only women working in a sport management role in Armenia – has always had a fervent passion for soccer. But what she feels even more strongly about is giving more girls and women the opportunity to play a sport that is wildly popular around the world, but still largely perceived as one for men. Naira began working to increase accessibility and participation in soccer for girls and women in Armenia shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 GSMP. In a society where only 22% of girls participate in grassroots soccer, compared to 78% for boys, and where opportunities are greatly limited for women and girls, she had her work cut out. But armed with a dogged determination to see change take place, Naira eventually found the support of her local U.S. Embassy, which connected her with American soccer player Andrea Montalbano. That led to collaboration on a week-long soccer project in rural Aragotsotn with three local, all-girl village teams. During that week, 50 girls aged 10-18 went through physical training sessions led by Armenian women’s national team player Kristine Mangasaryan and local coaches. The girls were also able to learn about leadership and the positive impact of sport on their lives through seminars led by Naira and Andrea. But Naira didn’t stop there. She went on to host several educational sessions for girls in the villages this February, even organizing a spring soccer tournament. It has led to features on Armenian national television, and her partnership with Andrea continues until today.
WOMEN WITH WINGS – MAQULATE ONYANGO, KENYA Maqulate knows what lack is, for she has been well acquainted with it her whole life. Born in an informal settlement in Nairobi and raised in a slum area, Maqulate has faced many challenges, including poverty and at times, hopelessness. But what Maqulate also has, having made giant strides in her life to overcome these hurdles, is a commitment to changing the lives of millions of young girls still living in similar situations. And now she has a platform to make that happen. Upon returning to Kenya after the 2014 GSMP, Maqulate launched the first Women with Wings clubs in five low-income schools that her organization, Mathare Youth Sports Association, already work in. As part of the initiative, 55 girls were able to complete mentorship workshops focusing on early pregnancy, illiteracy and female genital mutilation. In February and March this year, Maqulate recruited trainers and prepared curriculum for Women with Wings to launch new projects in northern Turkana County. What Maqulate has also been able to do is lean in on her Kenyan sisters and fellow-GSMP alumnae. Together with Lizzie Kiama (2014), Barbara Kokonya (2013) and Grace Kiraguri (2012), the GSMP network form a web of support for each other, winning follow-on grant funds from the U.S. State Department and supporting one another as facilitators on each others’ projects. They also serve as mentors for female business leaders in Kenya. Maqulate might not have been born with much, but one thing she does not lack is a heart for the girls and women of her country.
12
GlobalSportsWomen.org
GSMP LEGACY: 2014 ALUMnae highlights I CAN. SHE CAN. – DIMA ALARDAH, JORDAN Dima is a whole lot of heart, belief and can-do spirit all in one small package. The former professional badminton player started SHUTTLERS, her own badminton academy – the only one in the Middle East – at the young age of 25, an enterprise that now serves more than 300 both male and female. At her day job at the Norwegian Refugee Council, she uses sport as a tool to reach out to the tens of thousands of refugees whose lives have been torn apart since fleeing Syria. Dima set out to expand SHUTTLERS to reach girls and women outside of the capital city of Amman, an endeavor that was met with great support from current trainers at the academy. Her hopes to tap on the Jordanian Badminton Federation as one of the organizations in her web of support, however, was met with the temporary suspension of the federation in the beginning of 2015. Undeterred, Dima traveled to Dubai where she met with representatives from the Badminton World Federation, who vowed to provide funds for her work and connected her directly with its development department. This May, Dima participated in the prestigious She Entrepreneurs, a leadership program by the Swedish Institute for young women entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa and Sweden. She was also invited to participate in her local U.S. Embassy’s fundraising strategies program. During her action plan presentation, Dima repeated this statement several times: ‘I CAN’. But more than that, she has made it her mission that other girls and women will also be able to say the same thing: ‘I CAN.’
GIRLS BREAK THE ICE – OLGA DOLININA, UKRAINE Upon conclusion of the 2014 GSMP, Olga returned home with the hopes of using ice hockey as a tool for improving the physical and psychological wellbeing of girls whose lives have been affected by the armed conflict in East Ukraine. Life had other ideas. HC Donbass, the hockey club where she worked, suspended operations soon after she got home. But Olga grew up learning life doesn’t throw you any favors and you have to make your own way – so she tapped on her newfound creativity and resilience. She expanded her initial vision to include both boys and girls suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), partnering with Ukraine’s Department of Education, the Save the Children NGO, and the International Table Hockey Federation (ITHF). This partnership led to a table hockey event for children aged three-12 in Donetsk. The event, which saw the attendance of European junior champion Roman Ignatenko, was covered widely by local media and led to television appearances for Olga. In March, Olga partnered with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the ITHF to host a similar table hockey event in Mariupol in Southeastern Ukraine. The ITHF, spurred by the success of Break The Ice, has offered to host more table hockey tournaments with Olga throughout 2015, including one in her hometown of Dnipropetrovsk. By “breaking the ice,” Olga is encouraging a generation of Ukrainians to speak openly about the challenges they are facing and to inspire hope for a peaceful future.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
13
14
GlobalSportsWomen.org
MEET THE GSMP
CLASS OF 2015
15
2015 EMERGING LEADERS
16
Batoul Arnaout JORDAN
Carla Bustamante MEXICO
Caroline Maher EGYPT
Cecilia Vales MEXICO
Cynthia Coredo KENYA
Hanna Fauzie INDONESIA
Julie Paterson NEW ZEALAND
Katie Bourner FRANCE
Najat Alsayegh KUWAIT
Nga Le VIETNAM
Pavithra Chandra INDIA
Shanelle Barrett NEW ZEALAND
Nungshi Malik INDIA
Tashi Malik INDIA
Veronica Osogo KENYA
Yasmian Alsharshani QATAR
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2015 MENTORS
Val Ackerman BIG EAST Conference
Ann Wells Crandall BIG EAST Conference
Marina Escobar espn
Kimberly Wilson Espn
Sofia Lombardo-Ramos ketchum SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kerry Ruggieri ketchum SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Susan Cohig nhl
Julie Eddleman google
Rhona Aime PGA of america
Angela Schmelzer PGA of america
Laura Dixon Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Gwen Conley saatchi & saatchi LA
Joan Coraggio saatchi & saatchi LA
Karen Morrison university of central florida
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak university of central florida
Alicia McConnell usoc
Hilary Shaev NBA
Deborah Slaner Larkin women’s sports foundation
Kathryn Chappetto Women’s Tennis Association
Cindy Lupkey Women’s Tennis Association
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
17
2015 GLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM MEET THE MATCHES NGA LE VAL ACKERMAN + Ann Wells Crandall Vietnam
Big East Conference
CARLA BUSTAMANTE MARINA ESCOBAR Mexico
ESPN
HANNA FAUZIE KIMBERLY WILSON Indonesia
ESPN
PAVITHRA CHANDRA JULIE EDDLEMAN India
CAROLINE MAHER KERRY Ruggieri + SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS Egypt
Ketchum Sports & Entertainment
KATIE BOURNER HILARY SHAEV France
NBA
NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK SUSAN COHIG India
NHL
YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI RHONA AIME + Angela Schmelzer Qatar
The PGA of America
CYNTHIA COREDO GWEN CONLEY Kenya
Saatchi & Saatchi LA
SHANELLE BARRETT JOAN CORAGGIO New Zealand
Saatchi & Saatchi LA
NAJAT ALSAYEGH LAURA DIXON Kuwait
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
CECILIA VALES KAREN MORRISON + TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK Mexico
University of Central Florida
BATOUL ARNAOUT ALICIA MCCONNELL Jordan
USOC
JULIE PATERSON DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN New Zealand
Women’s Sports Foundation
VERONICA OSOGO KATHRYN CHAPPETTO + CINDY LUPKEY Kenya
18
Women’s Tennis Association
GlobalSportsWomen.org
MATCHES ON THE MAP
BRISTOL, CT BRISTOL, CT CINCINNATI, OH colorado springs, co los angeles, ca los angeles, ca new york city, NY new york city, ny NEW YORK CITY, NY NEW YORK CITY, NY NEW YORK CITY, NY orlando, fl palm beach gardens, fl san antonio , tx st. petersburg, fl
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
indonesia mexico INDIA jordan kenya new zealand egypt france new zealand india VIETNAM mexico qatar kuwait kenya
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
19
20
GlobalSportsWomen.org
NGA LE
VIETNAM
+
VAL ACKERMAN BIG EAST CONFERENCE
ANN WELLS CRANDALL BIG EAST CONFERENCE
21
NGA LE
Business Development & Operations Manager XLE Group VIETNAM As a child, NGA LE did not have to practice
desperate need of a job. After working for Jollibee
humility. Born in Hue, Vietnam, in the aftermath
Corporation in marketing and customer service
of the Vietnam War, Nga only knew humble
positions, Nga had a conversation with a friend
circumstances, a result of the drastic changes in her
that changed the course of her professional life.
family’s fortunes following the end of a two decade long war.
assistant job and suggested I take her place,”
“My dad’s family was very rich before 1975
Nga says. “She introduced me to Connor Nguyen
because they worked for the United States
[CEO of XLE Group & Nga’s current employer]. At
government,” Nga says. “After the war was over,
the time, he was just a tennis coach who needed
the people who worked for the U.S. suffered for
a personal assistant. But shortly after hiring me,
the next 20 years, and my mom and dad had to
he decided to open a sports academy. During the
overcome a lot of difficulties.”
first year that I worked for him, the academy grew
Although Nga’s family continually struggled to
tremendously.”
make ends meet, they were happy, and her parents
Despite her lack of experience in the sports
always encouraged her to pursue her studies and
industry, Nga continued to excel in her role as an
make a better life for herself. As a result, Nga was
administrative assistant. She was soon promoted to
driven to succeed, not only for herself, but also for
office manager and then marketing lead at Saigon
her family and her hometown of Hue. From first
Sports Academy (SSA). When Nguyen started
through 12th grade, she finished among the top
XLE Group, a sports entertainment company
five students in her class, attending a prestigious
that oversees SSA, the Saigon Heat professional
local high school on a scholarship, and becoming
men’s basketball team, and the Vietnam University
the first student from her local high school to attend
Games, he brought Nga on as his executive
Foreign Trade University, the top university in
assistant. Since 2011, she has received four
Vietnam.
promotions, arriving at her current role as SSA
Upon graduation, Nga found herself living in Ho Chi Minh City without any financial support and in 22
“I had a friend who was leaving her personal
sports business and operations director. During her professional journey, Nga has fallen
GlobalSportsWomen.org
in love with sports, especially
By participating in the GSMP,
basketball. The game, the
Nga hopes to expand her
atmosphere, the sense of
sports business, marketing,
belonging, and the joy of
and entertainment skills while
teamwork, are what keep Nga
learning from female American
going during the hard stretches
role models. There could be
of late nights and extensive
no greater fit for Nga than
travel.
Val Ackerman and Ann Wells
Nga believes that if more girls
Crandall at the Big East.
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
I like providing something [to women that] I didn’t have when I was their age. I believe really strongly that we have a duty and
in Vietnam could be exposed to
Val is an American icon in the
basketball and other sports at a
basketball world, promoting
young age, they would not only
the sport at every level –
fall in love, but they would find
collegiately, professionally,
new confidence, strength, and
and internationally. Val’s
leadership abilities. “Women in
background as the former
that I’m not aware of either.
Vietnam need sport. It is very
president of the WNBA along
I really look at it as a
underdeveloped in our country.
with her 8 years of experience
There is still much discrimination
serving on the FIBA board
partnership.
between men and women. Men
and her current role as
receive all the attention even
commissioner of the Big East
though the women’s teams are
will be invaluable. Nga will also
winning and earning prizes. I
benefit from the incredible and
want to learn from the United
expansive business experience
professional sports. Undoubtedly,
States, your model, so that we
of Ann, Chief Marketing Officer
Val and Ann will be a dynamite
can develop sport and grow this
of the Big East. Ann has worked
one-two punch for Nga as
type of atmosphere for girls and
on marketing strategies for some
she tries to expand the game
women in my country.”
of the best organizations in the
of basketball in Vietnam and
world – from nonprofits to
beyond.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
responsibility to educate the younger people coming up. I’m eager to hear more from them and learn something
”
VAL ACKERMAN Big East Conference
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
23
NGA LE
Business Development & Operations Manager XLE Group VIETNAM
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration
2010
Foreign Trade University; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? To serve as an inspirational and influential model to Vietnamese youth by showing them what is possible through passion and hard work. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My name is Nga, which means Russia. My brother’s name is My, which means America. My dad named me and my younger brother after 2 strong countries in the world that impacted Vietnam.
SSA Sports Business and Operations Manager XLE Group Event and Project Manager
2012 – Present
XLE Group Sales Manager
2013 – 2014
XLE Group Event and Marketing Lead XLE Group
WHOM DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My mom. I can talk freely and comfortably with her about anything.
24
2014 – Present
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2010 – 2011
THE BIG THREE WITH
NGA LE VIETNAM
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To expand my knowledge about international sports business practices
2
To learn from and establish a relationship with a role model in the sports industry
3
To be a positive role model to aspiring Vietnamese youth
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I was promoted to a senior leadership role in the largest sports company in Vietnam.
2
I didn’t grow up playing sports but have grown to love and appreciate them.
3
I’m a fast learner, a strong problem solver, and a very determined person.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Open-Minded Good Communicator Team-Builder
@EWGTS
|
Good Listener Insightful Passionate
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident Independent & Team- Oriented Determined
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
25
VAL ACKERMAN ANN WELLS CRANDALL Commissioner BIG EAST CONFERENCE
Chief Marketing Officer BIG EAST CONFERENCE
VAL ACKERMAN is one of the
Appointed Chief Marketing
few sports executives who has
Officer of the Big East
held leadership positions in both
Conference in September 2013,
men’s and women’s sports at the
ANN WELLS CRANDALL oversees all
collegiate, professional, national
marketing and sales initiatives.
team and international levels. Named the fifth Commissioner of the Big East Conference in June 2013, she was the founding President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a past President of USA Basketball.
Before joining the Big East, Ann was Senior Vice President of Business Development for PAC-12 Enterprises and spent 12 years at New York Road Runners (NYRR), including as its Executive Vice President of Business Development and
She was also a top athlete.
Strategic Partnerships. She has
Before earning a law degree
vast experience in sales and
from UCLA in 1985, she played
marketing campaigns, helping to
a year of professional basketball
deliver triple-digit revenue gowth
in France.
across the NYRR’s business
Val is married to Charlie Rappaport and they have two daughters.
units including its first-ever title sponsorship of the New York City Marathon. Ann is an avid runner and wine connoisseur.
FUN FACTS: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? WHAT MADE HIM/HER THE GREATEST? Val: Russ Granik (former Deputy Commissioner NBA) was smart, practical, and patient. He opened many doors for me. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Val: My grandfather, Valent, who came to USA from what was then called Czechoslovakia. HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION Ann: Yes, Barcelona DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS DO YOU HAVE? Val: Yes, one brother who is 14 months younger than me.
Ann: Yes, I have one brother and two sisters.
26
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
VAL ACKERMAN & ANN WELLS CRANDALL BIG EAST CONFERENCE
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To provide a quality experience for our Emerging Leader
To afford our staff the chance to hear about the experiences of our Emerging Leader
3
To learn how we can do more to advance women in leadership roles in sport
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
1
We have a wide range of experiences in sports.
2
We have a lot of insight on how to become successful in a sports business.
3
We have a lot of ideas on what the future of women’s sports will look like domestically and globally.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Humble Intellectually Curious Good Work Ethic
@EWGTS
|
Knowledegable Experienced Patient
#EmpowerWomen
|
Authentic Brave Always Improving
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
27
34 28
GlobalSportsWomen.org
CARLA BUSTAMANTE MEXICO
+
MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN
29
CARLA BUSTAMANTE
PR Director Naranjeros de Hermosillo MEXICO Imagine knowing exactly what you wanted to do
first female announcer at the Naranjeros Baseball
with your life at 11 years old and then making it
Club, and first woman to work in an executive
happen. Most children only dream of where their
position at her current organization. Carla’s
futures might take them. However, in the case of
professional journey also includes serving as a
CARLA BUSTAMANTE, she knew the path she would
television reporter, anchor, and field broadcaster
follow before she even reached high school.
for Telemax, as well as a columnist for the sports magazines Score and Béisbol Total, a freelancer
“When I was 11 years old, I won a local newspaper contest and got to be a reporter for a day for at the Caribbean Series Baseball Tournament,” Carla says. “I went to the ballpark in Hermosillo and got to interview a lot of great baseball players. When I went home, I said to my
educational achievements include a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and a master’s degree in marketing and international business from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico.
mom, ‘I don’t want to clean my shoes, they have
In 2006, Carla took on a more behind-the-scenes
dust from the ballpark.’ I wanted to remember that
role when she joined the Naranjeros de Hermosillo
day forever. That day defined me as a person.”
Baseball Club, where she is now director of
Carla launched her professional journalism career in high school, which has resulted in a long list of firsts – first woman sportscaster for Telemax,
30
for ESPN, and a reporter for Megacable. Carla’s
public relations, handling everything from press conferences and game-day promotions to social media.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
“I became the first woman in
interactive media has become
the organization to work in an
increasingly important in her
executive position. I’m really
role for the Narajeros Baseball
thankful to my boss and the
Club. Lastly, Carla seeks to
president to trust in me, but
better understand the sport
it’s very difficult. Before, there
systems in the United States
were no women with these
and to strengthen her skills in
responsibilities,” Carla says.
marketing, promotions, and public relations.
“Previously, when I was a sportscaster, I would hear
There is no greater mentor for
comments from people like,
Carla Bustamante than Marina
‘Really a woman?’ We’re just
Escobar, Vice President of
expected to be a pretty face, and
Visual Technology at ESPN.
wear short skirts, but not actually
Marina’s zest for life, her
know about sports. As women,
passion for her profession, and
these are the challenges we face
her commitment to increasing
in sports media.”
the number of women leaders in the industry will be invaluable
In Mexico, Carla says that
to Carla and her aspirations for
mothers raise their boys to
this program. During Marina’s
become the breadwinners
27 years in television, very few
while girls are told to focus on
females in the industry were
marriage, having children, and
available to guide and support
learning domestic duties like
her professionally, especially
cooking and cleaning. But Carla
model for girls in Hermosillo who wish to pursue a career in sports.
Marina hopes she can provide the support for her Emerging Leader that she needed in the early phases of her own career.
“I want to continue inspiring
Together, we believe Carla and
women in my region to take
Marina will forge a new path for
on sports careers, despite the stereotypes and obstacles.” says Carla about her goals for the
little girls in Mexico, little girls who dream of careers in sports media and technology. “That
GSMP. Through this program, Carla hopes to gain experiences
|
”
MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN
as a mentor in this program,
and wants to become a role
@EWGTS
“
I’ve been in television for more than 27 years, and there weren’t other women to talk to at certain times with the things I was experiencing. My hope is that I can encourage young women to keep pushing forward. The opportunity to learn from young women with completely different life experiences and challenges is a gift. This will undoubtedly be a valuable learning experience for me.
in the early years. By serving
has overcome these stereotypes
in visual technology, as
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
day in the ballpark changed me. And now, I must find a
#EmpowerWomen
|
way to make that happen for
others. My dream is that after participating in this program, there will be many more girls who love baseball, football, basketball; that have opinions and voice those opinions, and ask for advice, and are part of the team.”
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
31
CARLA BUSTAMANTE PR Director Naranjeros de Hermosillo MEXICO
EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Marketing and International Business
2011
Universidad del Valle de Mexico Bachelor’s Degree, Communication Sciences
2008
Universidad de Sonora
FUN FACTS: WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? I was born on September 25th, and this year I will be 30, so I hope to celebrate it with many strong women from all over the world. HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I always dreamed of traveling to France, seeing the Eiffel Tower, getting to know the city, and going to the museums. Last year, my dream came true. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I would love to someday work as a reporter/anchor on ESPN or to work with a major league baseball team.
32
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director of Public Relations
2006 – Present
Naranjeros de Hermosillo Freelance Reporter and Coordinator
2010 – Present
ESPN
Reporter
2013 – 2014
Megacable
Columnist
2006 – 2013
www.naranjeros.com Columnist with Aca En La Primera
2008 – 2013
Sports magazine, “Beisbol Total” Anchor and Producer
2011 – 2012
TV show, “Naranja es mi color” Columnist with “Beisbol y Otros Deportes” Sports magazine, “Score”
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2008 – 2011
THE BIG THREE WITH
CARLA BUSTAMANTE MEXICO
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To challenge myself
To learn all that I can from the strong women around me
to become a better professional and a better woman
3
To implement a project in Hermosillo and influence women in my country
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I love everything about being a sports reporter.
2
I like to take notes, make lists, and when I feel confident, I like to talk.
3
I like to learn about new places.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Seeks advice Flexible Positive
@EWGTS
Inspirational Intelligent Dreamer
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Educated Uses her voice Responsible
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
33
MARINA ESCOBAR Vice President Visual Technology ESPN MARINA ESCOBAR has 27 years of experience in media and was
FUN FACTS:
named ESPN’s vice-president of the visual technology group in October 2014. As head of this newly-created group, she is responsible for leading a team that takes charge of all design, development or delivery of visual
honored with a Best of Disney
technologies.
award in 2014.
She joined ESPN in March
A broadcast journalist from the
2008 as its senior director of
University of Oklahoma with
creative technology. With a
advanced studies in graphic
unique combination of design
design and theatre arts,
skills and understanding of data
Marina is a woman of many
and real-time graphics software,
talents. She was an established
she has worked on high-profile
restaurateur, owning La
projects such as the 2010 and
Pequeña Colombia from 2001
2014 FIFA World Cups, X Games
to 2008. She was recognized
and innovative projects, including
then as one of New York City’s
the EA Virtual Playbook and
“Successful Business Leaders”.
Tabletop.
She has also volunteered for the New Immigrant Community
34
Marina and her team have
Empowerment program of New
garnered many Sports Emmy
York City, helping immigrant
Awards for their technical
children through her own life
achievements, and were also
experiences.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I have always enjoyed running. I was on a Track and Field team in grade school and high school. To this day, I still run. It is the time when I work through challenges. My love for running has also transferred to my 8 year-old daughter. She now wants to be on a Track and Field team. Also, every year my husband, my oldest son, and I run a half marathon. My youngest children run the mile course. It is very satisfying to see my family enjoy running almost as much as I do. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? As cliché as it sounds, my mother has been and still is the most influential person in my life. She reminds me often, “Be you, be strong, and with hard work you can accomplish anything.”
THE BIG THREE WITH
MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To create a plan that will offer more sports opportunities for young women globally
2
To learn from young women with completely different life experiences and challenges
3
To promote women’s equality in sports and in corporations globally
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
My parents migrated from South America looking for a better life.
I hope to continue helping women push forward.
3
I ran a Colombian restaurant in NYC where I developed leadership and boldness.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Influential & OpenMinded Willing to Invest Inspirational
@EWGTS
|
Risk-taker Flexible Change-Agent
#EmpowerWomen
|
Self-Confident & Humble Influential Inclusive
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
35
36
GlobalSportsWomen.org
HANNA FAUZIE
INDONESIA
+
KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN
37
HANNA FAUZIE Sports Journalist Koran Sindo INDONESIA HANNA FAUZIE sat nervously across from the editor-in-chief of the Koran Sindo, an Indonesian newspaper distributed in nine provinces. Despite earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2002 and working as a reporter on two occasions in the past, she was fresh off three years in public relations. Hanna was convinced, however, that she was supposed to be a sports journalist. “What if I don’t put you on the sports desk?” the editor-in-chief asked. Hanna was bold, remembering when she first dreamed of this career after falling in love with sports during the 1994 World Cup. “It’s my dream—you have to help my
ask the women, ‘Do you want to be sports
dream come true,” she told him.
journalists?’ Hanna says. “They raise their hands,
Hanna’s courageous response worked. She was
the female journalist. In Indonesia, you only see
hired as the only female sports reporter for the
women presenting the quizzes and games. They
newspaper and in a decade she has covered
don’t think they can compete with male journalists
some of the most prestigious soccer tournaments
to cover the big tournaments.”
but they’re not so optimistic about the future of
in the world: the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, 2010 World Cup, and 2012 UEFA Champions League Final. She has also conducted interviews with former soccer champions, from Franz Beckenbauer and Mario Kempes to Xavi Hernandez and Alessandro del Piero. Now the managing deputy editor, Hanna is still the only woman covering sports for the Koran Sindo.
38
“Every time we visit a campus to speak, I always
Hanna grew up in Bogor, a city of one million people located in the West Java province, 37 miles from Jakarta. She is the second oldest in her family, with three sisters and one baby brother, and has always had their support, whether it was in pursuing journalism or running races as a teenager.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
“Before my brother was born, I
be more brave and take more
was coming home with bruises or
responsibility. I think a female
bleeding from playing outside,
mentor could really help me in
and my parents always put Band-
this area.”
Aids on me and told me, “You
We can think of no greater
are the boy we never had,’”
mentor for the job than
Hanna remembers.
Kimberly Wilson, Vice President
Although in her adult life she
of Affiliate Marketing Account
spends more time covering
Management at ESPN. Wilson,
the action on the field than
a two-time recipient of ESPN’s
participating in it, Hanna is
Leadership Award in Marketing,
involved with all of the Koran
is a 15-year marketing veteran,
Sindo’s sports-related events.
manages a multi-million dollar
These include the Garuda Cup, a
budget for her 11-member
sponsored soccer tournament for
team, and has a passion for
children from 8 to 13, the Run for
mentoring women of different
Cervical Cancer, and the Koran
backgrounds. This mentorship
Sindo Annual Futsal Tournament
experience with Kimberly will
for Indonesian media workers
be invaluable for Hanna as
and football fan clubs.
she learns to manage her own team and make crucial decisions
Through her participation in
on behalf of her organization.
the GSMP, Hanna hopes to
Kimberly’s expertise in
learn more about organizing
media, branding, and content
sports events to serve woman.
distribution may also help
Most importantly, though, she
Hanna develop lead stories
wants to become a mentor to female journalists throughout the country. “I still lack leadership
and profile pieces that influence external audiences to believe in
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
It’s an honor to be a part of this program. I take mentoring so seriously. I spend as much time doing it as I do on my job. For me, [the GSMP] takes it to the next level as I look at how I can continue to do the kind of work [I do with ESPN] and have a larger impact. I’m very interested in learning from someone from another culture and learning the different challenges we face – similar and different – and the best practices both ways. It’s not just, ‘What can I offer and give?’ but, ‘What can I learn?’
the power of sports for women
and decision-making skills,”
and girls.
Hanna says. “I really want to improve in these areas because
We are excited to see what’s
in my company I am the youngest
to come and the difference this
of the editorial top management.
mentorship will make in a country
I’m still not confident about
pressing for more women’s sports
making decisions that involve
opportunities and coverage.
”
KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN
many people. My editor-in-chief and vice editor tell me I have to
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
39
HANNA FAUZIE Sports Journalist Koran Sindo INDONESIA
EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism
2002
Institut Ilmu Sosial Ilmu Politik, Jakarta, Indonesia
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be remembered as someone who made the difference, someone who inspired those around me, someone who continually bounced back every time I hit rock bottom, and someone who said that giving up is not an option. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Green. I believe it’s related to change, and it’s also such a peaceful color.
Managing Deputing Editor Koran Sindo Sports Editor
May 2008 – April 2012
Koran Sindo Sports Reporter
May 2005 – April 2008
Koran Sindo Public Relations Officer
August 2002 – February 2005
PT Noor Erika Reporter
December 2001 – July 2002
Tabloid Sehati Intern Reporter Media Indonesia
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? I used to have 4 cats named Mamat, Mimit, Pucay, and Utut, and a snake named Stripey, and an owl named Daniel.
40
April 2012 – Present
GlobalSportsWomen.org
January 2002 – December 2002
THE BIG THREE WITH
HANNA FAUZIE INDONESIA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To gain knowledge on how to address sexism in Indonesia’s media industry
To maximize my leadership skills
3
To build network among the participants
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I like to meet new people, see and learn new things, and experience new adventures.
I’m still the only female sports journalist at my company.
3
I have huge concern about migrant workers, especially women.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Inspirational Resilient Committed
@EWGTS
Thinks differently Strategic Open
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Authentic Challenges herself Always makes improvements
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
41
KIMBERLY WILSON
Vice President Affiliate Marketing Account Management ESPN KIMBERLY WILSON Kimberly is a 15-year marketing veteran who, as vice-president of Affiliate Marketing for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, manages a multi-million dollar budget and leads a team of 11 industry-leading marketers. Before her current position, she was Senior Director of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for three years. She is currently responsible for identifying and developing innovative and cutting-edge marketing strategies to drive the organization’s distribution goals. Kimberly has also previously served as Director of Marketing for Clear Channel Radio New Orleans, Affiliate Sales Manager for Black Entertainment Television, and Affiliate Sales Consultant with MBC Cable Network. In those positions, she consistently over-delivered her annual goals and was credited with coming up with breakthrough events and increasing revenue and distribution for her companies. She is professionally affiliated with organizations like the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) and National Black MBA Association. Kimberly is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Columbia College of Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University where she graduated with honors. She spends much of her spare time mentoring young up-and-comers, speaking on panels and traveling.
42
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I was a competitive swimmer. I also played tennis and karate. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?
That I was selfless with my time, that I worked as hard as I could, and that I was encouraging. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?
My father. He pushed me to always be great, learn as much as I can, and to take risks.
THE BIG THREE WITH
KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To establish and build a relationship that includes trust and openness with my mentee
To share my experiences in the sports/television industry
3
To provide guidance and support that will help my mentee achieve her goals
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I am committed to being better.
I love to laugh.
3
I enjoy helping others.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Great listener Willingness to share Excels in her field
Open to feedback Curious Committed
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident Bold Surrounds herself with other strong women
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
43
44
GlobalSportsWomen.org
PAVITHRA CHANDRA
INDIA
+
JULIE EDDLEMAN GOOGLE
45
PAVITHRA CHANDRA Founder & CEO B7 Sports INDIA
PAVITHRA CHANDRA grew up in a loving family of
herself to her studies, earning an MBA in marketing
four, including her parents and brother, in the city
and human resources from Mount Carmel Institute
of Gujarat before moving back to her hometown
of Management.
of Bangalore. While other girls in her apartment complex liked to sit and chat after school in the courtyard, Pavithra preferred to be active and play outdoor games. As a result, she often found herself as the only girl competing with the boys in intense neighborhood cricket matches. And as the only girl, Pavithra was often relegated to merely fetching the balls that were hit outside the compound, never given a chance to pitch or bat.
felt frustrated by the lack of organized training and attention given to the women’s game. She felt that female players were not encouraged to pursue sports as a viable career option. Further, the cultural pressure from Indian parents to prioritize academics meant that most teenagers, male and female, either dropped sports altogether or approached it as a secondary hobby. However,
Desperate to become part of the action, Pavithra
Pavithra was lucky to have very supportive parents
struck a deal with her mother. “If I earn the best
that allowed her to pursue a career in sports and
marks and finish in the top ten in my class this year,
“be the change” needed in her society.
will you please buy me my own cricket gear?” After a lot of hard work, Pavithra showed up to the neighborhood with full cricket attire and brand new equipment. She proudly puffed out her chest and told the boys, “Today, I bat all day.”
Already experienced in upper management roles with the Paralympic Committee of India and Olympic Gold Quest Foundation, Pavithra launched B7 Sports Management in 2008, where she is the CEO of the organization. She is driven to
Pavithra thanks those boys for pushing her and
change the perception of sports in Bangalore and
helping her to discover the determination she’s
throughout India.
always had to be successful inside and outside of sports. From 1997 to 2001, she was a member of the India Women’s National Basketball Team, and at the end of her athletic career she dedicated
46
Throughout her time in basketball, Pavithra always
“We work in consulting, event management, and run a sports academy,” Pavithra says. “In all of these, we emphasize the health and empowerment
GlobalSportsWomen.org
of kids and women, because they
By participating in the GSMP,
are so neglected in our society.”
Pavithra hopes to grow her abilities in securing strategic
For all of B7 Sports’ successes
partnerships, marketing her
during its seven-year existence,
program, and attaining buy-
challenges have always been
in from key stakeholders,
present. An Indian blueprint
including parents, neighborhood
for how to have success in the
authorities, corporate sponsors,
sports field doesn’t exist, and
sports associations, government,
few mentors are available to guide Pavithra in her professional journey. Currently, Pavithra is
and other NGOs. We believe Julie Eddleman, Global Client Partner at Google, is the
searching for new strategies
perfect mentor for the job. With
and insights on how to work
Julie’s extensive background
with government to influence policymaking and create the type of lasting change that Title IX has in the United States.
in marketing and promotions, her passion for women’s empowerment, her mentorship experience and investment in this program, and Google’s vast
“Every change we’ve made has
global presence, we believe
been met with some resistance,” Pavithra says. “But, I know that if we take a step back, we’d never go anywhere. We want to be an example for other women and community programs in our city and in our country.”
Pavithra will find exactly what she needs to make her dreams a reality. We are excited to see
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
This mentorship experience has been absolutely amazing. Besides raising my children, it’s the most important and meaningful thing I’ve done in my 44 years. The three women I’ve mentored have become a part of my family. So it has meant everything in the world to me.
what these two visionaries dream together and the ways it will change the future for Bangalore and beyond.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
”
JULIE EDDLEMAN Google
47
PAVITHRA CHANDRA Founder & CEO B7 Sports INDIA
EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Business Administration
2004
Mount Carmel Institute of Management Bachelor’s Degree, Economics
Khalsa College, Gurunanak Dev University
FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? To see India transformed into a strong sporting nation with B7 Sports acting as a major catalyst WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My coach, Mr. B.S. Gautham – former captain of the Indian Men’s Basketball Team because of his simplicity, respect for others, ethics, discipline, intrinsic training, and his belief in my potential. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Yellow, because it’s a lovely, bright, and positive color indicating optimism, happiness, and energy
48
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Founder and CEO
2008 – Present
B7 Sports
Conference Lead
2011 – Present
B7 Sports Academy
Director of Operations
2009
Paralympic Committee of India
Founder B7 Consulting & Events Promotion
2008
Director of Operations Olympic Gold Quest
2007
Director of Consulting and Operations
2006
Synergy Sports Management Consultants
Manager of Customer Relations
2004 – 2005
ITC Windsor Sheraton & Towers
Executive Assistant to Chief of Sports Sambhram Group’s Educational Institutions
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2003 – 2004
THE BIG THREE WITH
PAVITHRA CHANDRA INDIA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To apply the lessons I learn so I can improve conditions in my home country
To learn effective mentorship skills to empower others in my community
3
To establish relationships with other empowered women from across the world
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I’m passionate about everything related to sports, especially basketball.
I’m open and receptive to new ideas and methods of learning.
3
I would love to visit sports teams and sports organizations in the U.S.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Sets Goals Acquires Knowledge Perseveres
@EWGTS
|
Invested Good Communicator Accomplished
#EmpowerWomen
|
Encouraging Bold Problem-Solver
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
49
GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
JULIE EDDLEMAN
Director Global Client and Agency Solutions GOOGLE JULIE EDDLEMAN is a Director on the Global Client and Agency Solutions team, which aims to accelerate brands by being the one-stop, digital shop for marketers and agencies, delivering unprecedented, holistic, online brand-building solutions to help marketers tame the web. In this role she focuses on overseeing the relationships with top global advertisers. Julie came to Google from P&G where she was the Marketing Director of North America Brand Operations, running the company’s
Julie with 2014 GSMP Alumna Paula Korsakas of Brazil
$35 billion brand portfolio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs in 1992 and her Master of Science in Consumer Behavior in 1995, both from Purdue. She currently lives in Cincinnati with her spouse, Diane Cummins, where she enjoys watching and participating in sports of all kinds and having fun in a variety of ways with her five children.
FUN FACTS: NAME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have five kids aged 5-29. HAVE YOU EVER MET SOMEONE FAMOUS? I’ve had formal dinners with the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, and the last man on the moon, Gene Cernan. HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL? I’ve flown about 300,000 miles this past year globally for Google.
Julie with 2012 GSMP Alumna Cassia Damiani of Brazil
50
Julie with 2013 GSMP Alumna Daniela Castro of Brazil
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
JULIE EDDLEMAN GOOGLE
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
Provide a rich and meaningful experience for the Emerging Leader
Introduce the Emerging Leader to new networks, resources, & ideas
3
Share the Emerging Leader’s dreams, experiences, & talents
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I love Purdue and will always be proud to be a Purdue Boilermaker.
I love my family.
3
I love this program. It makes me a better person.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Good sense of humor Inquisitive Open-Minded
@EWGTS
|
Good sense of humor Good listener Supportive
#EmpowerWomen
|
Puts life in perspective Committed Hopeful visionary
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
51
52
GlobalSportsWomen.org
CAROLINE MAHER
+
EGYPT
KERRY RUGGIERI
KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SOFIA LOMBARDORAMOS
KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT 53
CAROLINE MAHER HR Manager Peugeot; HELM EGYPT
Two years ago, CAROLINE MAHER became the first
Her parents, supportive throughout her entire
woman of Arab, Egyptian and African descent to
athletic career, told her to summon the energy to
be inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame. The
contest the charges. Caroline raised the money
achievement was especially significant to Caroline
necessary to hire a lawyer and took her case to the
because of the difficult obstacles she overcame
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,
prior to her induction.
Switzerland.
By her mid-twenties, Caroline was an Egyptian
In the end, it was worth it. The CAS ruled in her
martial arts icon; ranked as high as third overall
favor and cited several examples of misconduct,
in her weight class by the World Taekwondo
including “lack of any reliable evidence,” ordering
Federation (WTF), with more than 130 medals in
the WTF to reimburse Caroline for her legal fees.
38 countries collected in national, regional and
“Through this I learned that you should never,
international competitions dating back to the age
ever give up,” Caroline says. “If I didn’t stand for
of 10. But, after these successes she unexpectedly
myself, I would’ve lived my whole life dealing with
came under investigation for suspected use of
the shame even though I was falsely accused. If
performance enhancing drugs. “In December
you’re right, you have to fight for yourself.”
2010, as part of the out-of-competition anti-doping process several players on the Egyptian taekwondo national team were asked to give urine samples for the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA). Shockingly only after travelling back to Egypt from the World Championships in May 2011, I was informed by the national team doctor that my sample tested positive, thus the coaches did not call me up for the upcoming events and camps.” After hearing the news of a two-year suspension, Caroline felt the ground shaking beneath her feet.
54
Caroline, who completed her MBA in human resources management from Victoria University in Switzerland in early 2015, continues to be involved with taekwondo, on top of her full-time role as a human resource manager for CDCM, sole proprietor of Peugeot in Egypt. She also volunteers with Helm, a non-profit organization for people with disabilities, in which she aims to introduce new disability sports programs. She recently approached the Egyptian Taekwondo Federation about launching a Para-taekwondo national
GlobalSportsWomen.org
team in time for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. “I don’t have the hands-on experience with Parasports, but no one in Egypt really does, so I have not been able to get much advice,” Caroline says. “The GSMP will give me the valuable insights on how to get ahead with my project, to avoid re-inventing the wheel.” Caroline with the combination
Caroline is unafraid of
of passion, innovation, and
challenges. She is the youngest
support that she needs to fight
manager at CDCM sole
for women and people with
proprietor for Peugeot. After
disabilities in Egypt. Kerry and
appealing her unwarranted
Sofia are creative geniuses and
suspension, she returned
masterful storytellers who have
to win two more Egyptian,
launched some of the best public
Arab and African taekwondo
relations campaigns in the world.
championships. She was also
This team will undoubtedly help
honored earlier in 2014 with
Caroline craft her own story
the UN Award “Women of
and find creative ways to use
Achievement” among 25 other
her platform as an elite athlete
women worldwide due to her
to drive social change. With
achievements in various fields.
Ketchum’s incredible global
With the conviction that she can
reach, including an office in
overcome anything, Caroline
Cairo, we see this relationship
wants to use the sport she has
extending far beyond the
fought to keep in her life to
conclusion of the program. We
change the lives of millions of persons with disabilities in Egypt.
are excited to see how Caroline, Kerry, and Sofia combine
Working with Kerry Ruggieri,
their creative energies and
Senior Vice President, and
relentless spirits to develop new
Sofia Lombardo-Ramos, Vice
opportunities for girls, women,
President, at Ketchum Sports
and persons with disabilities in
& Entertainment will provide
Egypt.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
It’s on a rare occasion that we get these great partnerships that mean something and really invigorate our group to think more broadly and worldly. These candidates really are the most passionate and determined, and I think those characteristics marry back to what Ketchum can offer them.
”
SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS
Ketchum Sports & Entertainment
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
55
CAROLINE MAHER HR Manager Peugeot; HELM EGYPT
EDUCATION Master’s Degree in Business Administration
2015
Major in Human Resource Management Victoria University; Neuchâtel, Switzerland Professional Diploma – Train the Trainer (TOT)
FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to inspire people to become better and to believe that they can change the world for the better. If each and every person did – especially females who are future mothers – the world will definitely change to the better. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? My two favorite subjects were Physical Education as it fulfilled my passion toward sports and the second was mathematics as I’m in love with numbers. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, six dogs: Tosca, Leo, Bubu, Tikila, Moca & Godzi
56
2015
Brilliance Business School Victoria University; Neuchâtel, Switzerland Human Resources Management Diploma
2013
Regional Information Technology Institute (RITI) Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication
2009
American University in Cairo (AUC); Cairo, Egypt
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Human Resources Director
2014 – Present
2012 – Present
2011 – 2014
Summer 2013
PEUGEOT Egypt Human Resources Manager HELM Human Resources Manager Tatweer for Learning Technology Human Resources Consultant Children’s Cancer Hospital Human Resources Projects Coordinator Children’s Cancer Hospital
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2009 – 2011
THE BIG THREE WITH
CAROLINE MAHER EGYPT
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To gain knowledge in the disability sports field to benefit my country
2
To gain insight on advancing my project in disability sports
3
To build a network that offers opportunities to grow personally and professionally
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
My aspirations have no ceiling, and I am iron-willed.
2
I demand excellence by working hard and never giving up.
3
I want to change the lives of people with disabilities for the better.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Determined Passionate Quick to learn
@EWGTS
Inspirational Good Communicator Accepting
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Persistant Bold & Courageous Independent
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
57
KERRY RUGGIERI
Senior Vice President Group Manager KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS
Vice President
Group Manager KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
KERRY RUGGIERI has spent her
SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS has
entire career with Ketchum
worked on a variety of accounts
Sports & Entertainment, working
since joining Ketchum in 2004,
with clients around the world to
specializing in traditional and
execute brand campaigns and
sports media relations with an
sponsorship activations, including
emphasis on pop culture and
the Olympic Games, the FIFA
sports business. Sofia has played
World Cup, NASCAR, and more.
an active leadership role for
Kerry has a particular focus in issues and crisis preparation and management and worked alongside P&G’s communications team leading into Sochi. Currently, she consults on the group’s top clients, bringing a global view and strategic focus for a range of Fortune 500 companies. Kerry resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two young boys.
on-site coordination at largescale events such as the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and various NASCAR, soccer, and baseball events. Currently Sofia is spearheading espnW’s 2015 media relations campaign and preparing for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for various clients. Sofia is a native New Yorker and lives with her husband on the Upper East Side.
FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Kerry: Yes! Everything… jack of all trades, master of none. Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, dance, skiing, and tennis. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Sofia: I would be “Robins Egg Blue” – a standout shade! WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING DO YOU LIVE BY? Sofia: “Dolce Fa Niente” (delicious idleness) – I even have a tattoo of the phrase on my arm! WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Kerry: To see my boys grow into good, kind men and share many adventures with them and their dad around the world!
58
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
KERRY RUGGIERI & SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To provide inspiration with a global perspective on women and sports
To cultivate longterm relationships
3
To learn from our mentee and help bring passion to life
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
Kerry: I believe the most rewarding part of a career are the people you influence along the way.
Kerry: I love learning and evolving as a professional. Feedback helps me grow.
3
Sofia: I really CARE about my work and like to see my team succeed.
QUALITIES of an QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT EMPOWERED WOMAN: MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: Good Listener Trustworthy Maximizes others’ potential
Passionate Efficient Curious
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Adventure-Seeking Confident Team-Oriented
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
59
60
GlobalSportsWomen.org
KATIE BOURNER FRANCE
+
HILARY SHAEV NBA
61
KATIE BOURNER President Nantes Derby Girls FRANCE In the office, her colleagues call
everything in her life now is a
her Katie. But on the track, she’s
means to roller derby and aiding
known as “PsychoKat,” a fearless
its expansion throughout France
warrior who is eager to create
and the rest of Europe. On top
roller derby leagues for women
of her full-time job as a customer
throughout France.
relations officer for Generali
KATIE BOURNER, a British-born Frenchwoman, was introduced to the sport of roller derby through a friend who saw it in action for the first time in Canada. Anxious to see a game, Katie searched
Nantes Derby Girls, Katie is also the French liaison to the Woman’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association, the international governing body for the sport.
the Internet for roller derby
“Because roller derby is a new
leagues but couldn’t find any
sport, and it’s a female sport,
in her town of Nantes. She did,
people aren’t afraid to give
however, find a team in Paris
it a go,” Katie says. “It’s not
and quickly packed her bags
like basketball. If you’ve never
to see this curious new sport.
played basketball as a child, you
Inspired by her meeting with the
probably won’t start when you’re
women on the team in Paris, she
20 because it’s a sport people
returned home and founded with
have played their whole life.
her partner Nantes Derby Girls,
That’s intimidating. But with roller
where she currently serves as a
derby, it’s different. Everyone
player and president.
is learning as an adult, which is
Despite having a master’s degree
62
France, and her roles with the
what makes it appealing.”
in professional analyses and
After five years of development,
social interventions, Katie says
sports federations in France are GlobalSportsWomen.org
only just starting to recognize
on TV. In order to achieve these
roller derby as an official
goals, she hopes to use her time
sport, which means it receives
in the GSMP to learn about
no government funding or
marketing, promotions, public
regulation. Many upstart leagues
relations, fan growth, and
also cannot find training spaces,
strategic planning.
due to the lack of facilities, leading teams to practice outside all year round, regardless of
As Katie seeks to grow the “game,” there is no one in the industry better than Hilary
weather.
Shaev, Vice President of
Although she wants the sport
Marketing Operations at the
to maintain its purity, Katie
National Basketball Association
believes roller derby can serve
(NBA), to support her on this
an important role in women’s
journey. Hilary has extensive
empowerment, inclusion, and the
experience in marketing and
development of positive body
promotions, both in the music
image for thousands of women in
business as well as the sports
her country.
world. She was instrumental
“Roller derby is amazing because you have so many women from
National Basketball Association (WNBA) and also developing
so many different backgrounds
the WNBA Pride platform.
competing – every shape and
Like Katie, Hilary is passionate
size has a role. And yes, it’s
about advancing women’s
competitive and aggressive but it’s also empowering. It’s probably the only team sport that was actually created by women and it is at the moment the fastest growing sport in the world!”
“
Ultimately, they’re coming here to work with us for a project. But, at the same time we should be giving them exposure to the different aspects of our business that might help them and providing a broad overview of what happens here at the
sports, especially in the area
NBA. It’s very immersive.
of fan growth. Both Katie and
And, I’m excited to be a part
Hilary have worked diligently
of something that matters.
”
to promote sport for women in
HILARY SHAEV NBA
tough markets, but ultimately, have been successful in their
Within the next five years, Katie is driven to ensure that junior roller derby is introduced throughout see added structure and a growth in the standard of trainers, officials and facilities. Ultimately, her dream is to see roller derby
|
efforts – growing both women’s basketball here in the U.S. and women’s roller derby in France. We are excited to watch these
the country. She also wants to
@EWGTS
in rebranding the Women’s
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
two power players expand the market for roller derby fans, participants, sponsors, and media
forward to the way this sport can create an empowering space for girls and women of every shape, size, and age in France and beyond.
outlets. Ultimately, we look
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
63
KATIE BOURNER President Nantes Derby Girls FRANCE
EDUCATION Master’s Degree in Prof. Analyses & Social Interventions
2011
UFR Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines; Angers, France Bachelor’s Degree in Human and Social Sciences
2007
Université Poitiers; Leon, France
FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My mum because she’s a fun-loving person, always enthusiastic, and pushes me to believe in my dreams. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be a simple grey pencil. All you need is a pencil. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I just want to be remembered as a lovely, caring, and helpful person. Right now, I mostly want my association, Nantes Derby Girls, to live on and continue to be a well recognized element in French and European roller derby.
64
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Customer Relations Officer
January 2015
2014 – Present
Generali France WFTDA French Ambassador
Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association WFTDA Translation Committee
2014 – Present
2012 – Present
Member French Representative at EROC European Roller Derby Conference President
Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2010 – Present
THE BIG THREE WITH
KATIE BOURNER FRANCE
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To learn marketing techniques so I can develop roller derby as an official sport in France
To learn new ways of helping adult women get back into sports
3
To learn about American sports and apply ideas to roller derby in France
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I am hard-working, passionate, honest, open-minded, a good listener, and I always put others first.
2
I’m shy at first, but I have no problem speaking my mind or being in front of a group.
3
I learn by talking, experiencing, and doing. I love problemsolving, spreadsheets, and planning.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Open-Minded Passionate Takes initiative
@EWGTS
|
Good Listener Available Guides
#EmpowerWomen
|
Hard-Working Determined Selfless
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
65
HILARY SHAEV Vice President Marketing NBA
As Vice President of Marketing for the NBA, HILARY SHAEV oversees Marketing Operations at the league. She’s responsible for managing the budget, staffing, communications and workflow across a department that handles market research, international marketing, strategy & integration, and advertising & media. Before 2015, Hilary oversaw all marketing initiatives for the WNBA, including brand management, marketing strategy, and promotion of events and platforms. She recently guided the league’s brand identity update and developed the WNBA Pride program. She also handled marketing for the NBA Development League. Shaev joined the NBA in March 2008 after a successful career in the music business, where she held Executive Vice President of Promotion posts at Capitol Music Group, Virgin Records, and Sony Music’s Epic Records. In these roles, Shaev developed and executed promotional campaigns nationally for all artists on each label’s roster, including Janet Jackson, Norah Jones, Lenny Kravitz, and Celine Dion. A Duke University graduate, Shaev was named a Top Woman in Music by Billboard Magazine in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
FUN FACTS: IF YOU COULD HAVE SPECIAL ABILITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To not be tired with less sleep, so I could live more in each day. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE? My daily home workouts IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Hillary Clinton since it’s her moment in time DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Playing the piano and making the best mixes
66
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
HILARYNBASHAEV
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To expose our Emerging Leader to NBA and WNBA marketing and operations
To provide a quality and fun learning experience for our Emerging Leader
3
To help our Emerging Leader with her Action Plan
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
My current role is VP/Marketing Operations, but I worked in the WNBA business for 7 years.
I really enjoyed rebranding the WNBA and developing the WNBA Pride platform.
3
I have a son heading to college and a 10th-grade daughter who plays a lot of basketball.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Visionary Open-Minded Honest
@EWGTS
|
Leader Listener Patient
#EmpowerWomen
|
Unwavering Integrity Goal-Oriented Bold
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
67
68
GlobalSportsWomen.org
NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK
+
INDIA
SUSAN COHIG NHL
69
NUNGSHI AND TASHI MALIK
Mountaineers & Co-Founders NungshiTashi Foundation INDIA In the history of mountaineering, less than 50 people have completed the Adventurer’s Grand Slam, which entails a summit of the seven highest peaks on each continent, and reaching the North and South Poles. NUNGSHI AND TASHI MALIK of India — also the first siblings and twins to do so — make up two of the 50 to have accomplished the feat. Born in the state of Haryana in the northern part of India, the sisters began their career as explorers after finishing secondary school. Their father, a
mountains “cast a spell” on them both, as Nungshi
retired military officer who had moved the family
puts it. But, from the outset of their journey as
throughout India during his career, signed his
mountaineers, Tashi and Nungshi knew pursuing
daughters up for a basic course in mountaineering.
sport as a career would be a huge cultural
“That turned into a very good chance for us to
challenge.
explore the outdoors,” Tashi says. “And it was a very good opportunity because we got to do it together.”
our family said, ‘Girls don’t take up sports like mountaineering,’ Nungshi says. “Mom was quite
Nungshi and Tashi are inseparable. Since
worried about us, so for three years she stopped
childhood, the two of them have attended the
us from climbing. There was this pressure on her
same schools, completing bachelor’s degrees in
from our community about why she was letting her
journalism and mass communication from Sikkim
daughters do this.”
Manipal University, and receiving certificates in peacebuilding from SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont in 2012. They share the same passion for dancing, music, and athletics, and can telepathically finish each other’s sentences. The 70
“When we first spoke about Everest, everyone in
Outside of the major cities in India, Nungshi and Tashi say women are solely prized for their domestic capabilities. When it comes to sports, women are deemed incompetent or unfit.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
Male children are also highly
in terms of entrepreneurship,
prioritized over girls because
and we know we’ll have the
of norms dictating that after
opportunity to learn from
marriage a woman leaves to
women with an abundance of
join her in-laws’ family and, thus,
experience.”
is no longer able to provide
As the twins look for ways to
financial support to her parents.
market their foundation, they
“Women are born with
will rely heavily on Susan
mountains to climb,” Tashi
Cohig, Senior Vice President
says, “and that has become
of Integrated Marketing and
our inspiration for climbing the
her team at the NHL. Susan’s
mountains outside.”
extensive background in
Nungshi and Tashi have spoken
marketing, sponsorships, and
extensively throughout India
branding will expose the Malik’s
on women’s empowerment,
to new skills that will propel their
including a TEDx talk in New
foundation forward. Susan’s
Delhi, and have been honored
long-term investment in the
by the President of India and the
GSMP not only demonstrates
Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand,
her commitment to empowering
Haryana and Delhi. In January
women, but also defines her as
2015, the sisters were named
a seasoned veteran in cause-
brand ambassadors for the
related strategic planning. At the
Uttarakhand government’s
NHL, the Malik’s will learn how
Save the Girl Child campaign
to address community issues and
to improve high rates of female
social responsibility through the
infant mortality and infanticide in
NHL Foundation. As one of the
the state.
only female senior executives in a male sports league, Susan’s
To continue supporting their
professional and personal
efforts, Nungshi and Tashi
journey will inspire the Malik’s to
hope to learn more about
continue carving out their space
marketing, sports management,
as females in the mountaineering
and fundraising through their
world. We look forward to the
participation in the GSMP. “Although we have ideas on how to approach our plans, we lack experience on a larger scale,” Nungshi says. “We’re novices
@EWGTS
|
mountains these women will
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
For me, this program is about voice. It’s about women having a voice in their own circumstances, it’s about self-determination, both personally and professionally. If you don’t have a diversity of voices at the table, we are not going to be able to solve we collectively face.
climb together and the ways this partnership will inspire a new generation of females in India.
#EmpowerWomen
|
”
the problems and issues that
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
SUSAN COHIG NHL
71
NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK Mountaineers & Co-Founders NungshiTashi Foundation INDIA
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication
2013
Sikkim Manipal University; Gangtok, Sikkim, India Certificate of Peace Building
2012
School for International Training; Brattleboro, Vermont
FUN FACTS: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? Tashi: Our father. He supported us and provided a nurturing, liberating environment where we could develop without being constrained by gender considerations. He encouraged us to dream big and to follow our heart.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Guinness Book of World Records, Mountain Climbing Climbed Seven Summits Skiing
2014
World’s first twins to complete last degree ski to South Pole State Icon Selected by Uttarakhand Election Commission
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Nungshi: To make India an ‘outdoor nation’ and empower women through mountaineering and adventure DO YOU PREFER TO BE BEHIND THE CAMERA OR IN FRONT OF IT? Nungshi: I love to be in front of the camera!
72
2014
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2014
THE BIG THREE WITH
NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK INDIA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To explore entrepreneurship opportunities in sport
3
To network with
To foster new
successful women
partnerships for
entrepreneurs in
projects that focus on
sport and business
sports for women
THREE THINGS WE WANT OUR MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT US:
I
We have big dreams and lots of ideas but lack entrepreneurship experience.
2
We are independent and have good leadership qualities.
3
Tashi: I am more of an introvert. Nungshi: I am more outspoken.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Empathetic Catalyst Knowledgeable
@EWGTS
Self-Aware Achiever Team-Oriented
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Educated Financially Independent Confident & Bold
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
73
GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
SUSAN COHIG
Senior Vice President Integrated Marketing NHL
SUSAN COHIG wears many hats as the NHL’s Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing, and working with the NHL’s corporate partners is perhaps the largest one. Once the league signs an advertising deal with a corporation, it’s Susan and her partnership marketing groups who make sure the company’s advertising vision is executed to perfection. Susan also manages the NHL’s club services, working with each team in the league on its sales and marketing, as well as its business operations issues. It’s also Susan’s job to make sure the playoff teams are ready to take full advantage of the success that comes their way.
Susan Cohig with 2014 GSMP Alumna Olga Dolinina of Ukraine
Susan started out in marketing at a family of radio stations in Denver. From that opportunity she was recruited to work in the sponsorship group at the Denver Nuggets and was tapped to run the department a year later. Her management team orchestrated the move of the NHL Quebec Nordiques to Denver and launched them as the Colorado Avalanche. Through that experience and with the team winning the Stanley Cup in its inaugural season, she had the opportunity to work closely with the NHL’s league office. Through that interaction, she relocated to the NHL in New York when an opportunity became available with NHL.com. During her time with the NHL, her role has evolved and expanded to encompass marketing, club services, sales, partnership marketing, and legal/compliance matters. The latter enabled her to make use of the law degree she earned while working at the NHL.
74
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I play a killer game of foosball. NAME SOMETHING EXCITING YOU DID LAST YEAR. I ran my first marathon – the New York Marathon – last year. HOW OLD IS YOUR DAUGHTER? My daughter is 10 years old, and she constantly amazes me.
THE BIG THREE WITH
SUSAN COHIG NHL
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
Understand the challenges our ELs have in their country that we take for granted
To support our ELs in the development of an effective Action Plan
3
Empower our ELs to know they can break barriers in all aspects of their lives
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I have a 10 year-old daughter that constantly amazes me.
I ran my first marathon last year (The New York Marathon!).
3
I play a killer game of foosball.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Asks questions and listens Helps others Involves everyone
Inquisitive Hard worker Patient
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Leans In Asks questions and listens Resilient
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
75
76
GlobalSportsWomen.org
YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI
+
QATAR
RHONA AIME PGA OF AMERICA
ANGELA SCHMELZER PGA OF AMERICA
77
YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI
Director Qatar Golf Ladies & Yasmian Events QATAR At twenty-nine years old, YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI is a trailblazer, a pioneer, not only for the game of golf, but for women athletes in the Middle East. As one of only three registered female golfers in Qatar, Yasmian is forging new paths for Muslim women to pursue sport with grace, dignity, and honor. According to Yasmian, the peace she finds on the golf course gives her greater appreciation and perspective for the challenges she faces in life. Golf is her “great escape,” a time to reflect and be one in body, spirit, and mind.
her academic career and position as the events manager for the Qatar Museum Authority.
“In life, sometimes you have stress from outside, and when you have golf you have peace,” Yasmian says. “Golf has taught me how to focus and listen to people. It’s given me a strong character. Everyday there are different shots on the course, and there are new people to meet, so I
Yasmian understands that her story is unique and admits that it is often lonely being the only woman on the course. Opportunities for females to compete in sports in her country are limited, although she is fortunate to come from a family of
am always learning something new.”
dedicated athletes. Her father was a swimmer and
The sole female member of the Qatari National
her sister is a Qatari skeet-shooting champion.
jockey, her brother is a competitive drag racer and
Golf team, Yasmian has her sights set on representing her country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where golf returns after a 112 year absence. Since turning professional in 2008, she has competed in and won a handful of regional
78
and local tournaments throughout Qatar, balancing
“It’s good for a person to know about the value of sport, for your mind and your life,” Yasmian says. “Most of the girls and women here, they go to school and then they go home and do not go
GlobalSportsWomen.org
outside. They have free time, and
“I want to continue playing
if we give them sport they can
golf for at least one more year,
use that time in a better way.”
then focus on my business” Yasmian says. “For that, I need
In 2013, Yasmian founded
to learn more about marketing,
Qatar Golf Ladies (QGL), the
how to attract more people to
first women’s center for golf in
participate in the sport, and
Qatar and the Middle East. The
to broaden my reach to other
organization pursues community
organizations in Qatar.”
engagement through cultural and educational activities,
Rhona Aime, Chief Financial
and includes social, health
Officer, and Angela Schmelzer,
and recreational elements for
Player Development Program
women and children. Months
Operations Coordinator, at the
after launching QGL, Yasmian
PGA of America are perfectly
was awarded the 2013
suited for this job. With their
Businesswoman of the Year
commitment to growing the
award at the fourth annual Qatar
game of golf and expertise
International Businesswomen
in marketing and player
Forum.
development, we trust the PGA of America can help Yasmian make
Yasmian plans to launch her own company, Yasmian Events, following the conclusion
her dreams a reality. In addition, Rhona’s business savvy coupled with Angela’s management and
of the GSMP. With her experience during GSMP as the springboard, she will also draw on her prior business and event management background and master’s degree knowledge in organization and management in 2015 from the International Olympic Academy to take on this endeavor. The company will focus on spreading awareness of the benefits of golf and other
event expertise will undoubtedly make this experience a personal and professional milestone for
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
I’m tremendously supportive and excited about this program. There’s a cultural awareness and exchange that occurs between all of us, which is invaluable. For [our staff] to see women leading
Yasmian as she develops her own
effectively in what is largely a
women’s golf organization. We
male-dominated sport in this
look forward to watching future
country, at the table with male
generations of Qatari women
colleagues and shoulder-to-
take to the greens, living out
shoulder at those meetings, is
Yasmian’s dreams and the PGA’s
so important.
vision to advance golf throughout
sports throughout Qatar.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
”
RHONA AIME PGA of America
the world.
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
79
YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI Director Qatar Golf Ladies & Yasmian Events QATAR
EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Olympic Sport Management
2015
International Olympic Academy Diploma, International Relations and Diplomacy
2012
Academy Alfursan; London, England
FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I increased women’s participation in sport and won several Olympic medals IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Red, because it is a vibrant and an active color and because it draws attention. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My mother. She has been patient and devoted to me. She always supports me in training and competition.
Diploma, Office Management New Horizons Qatar; Doha, Qatar Bachelor’s Degree, Education
2008
Qatar University; Doha, Qatar
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director Qatar Golf Ladies
2013 – Present
Events Manager Qatar Museum Authority
2011 – Present
Senior Documents Manager for Communications
2011
Asian Cup Qatar
Documents Controller Maersk Oil Qatar
2009 – 2011
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, 3 cats: Lucky, Meyave, and Tania
80
2010
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI QATAR
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To gain more knowledge about global sports
To enhance my leadership skills
3
To learn more about marketing and attracting more female participants in sport
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I am trying to spread the culture of golf & the importance of sports for women in my country.
2
I operate my own sport business “Yasmian Events.”
3
I am from a country where sports for girls are limited to aerobics & walking.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Energetic Courageous Goal-Oriented
@EWGTS
|
Good Listener Knowledgeable Good Communicator
#EmpowerWomen
|
Self-Confident Speaks well Good Listener
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
81
ANGELA SCHMELZER
RHONA AIME CFO PGA OF AMERICA
Player Development Coordinator
PGA OF AMERICA
As the Chief Financial Officer
With a degree in PGA Golf
of the PGA of America, RHONA
Management from Eastern
AIME oversees all financial and
Kentucky University and a desire
information technology matters
to give back to the game she
for the world’s largest sports
competed in during high school,
organization. Aime brings more
ANGELA SCHMELZER accepted a
than 20 years experience with top
position at the PGA of America in
multinational companies to her
September 2013. In her current
senior leadership role. Previously,
role, she provides comprehensive
Aime managed all aspects of
PGA member support for key
finance for Group Danone, a
Player Development initiatives.
Paris-based multinational food-
Angela is thrilled to have the
products corporation, after
opportunity to work for the largest
spending nearly 12 years with The
working sports organization in the
Coca-Cola Company.
world, where her goal is to grow
A native of Scotland, Aime
the game of golf.
earned a Bachelor’s Degree in
Angela currently lives in Palm
Mathematics before earning her
Beach Gardens, FL. When she is
Accounting Certification. She and
not at work or on the golf course,
her husband, Jorge, live in South
Angela spends her time as a
Florida. They have two children,
recreational boater, cruising the
Camila and Stefano.
waters of South Florida.
FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Rhona: My really big dream is to have true equality for women worldwide. On a personal level, I want to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Rhona: Geography, especially social geography. I’m an avid traveler, and I’ve always been fascinated by the social variations and evolutions throughout different regions of the world. DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU’RE IN NOW? Angela: Yes, when I realized all the opportunities golf had to offer, I knew immediately I wanted to pursue a career in it. I loved the game so why not make it my career! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF YES, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Angela: Yes, Layla, a chihuahua.
82
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
RHONA AIME & ANGELA SCHMELZER PGA OF AMERICA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To provide our Emerging Leader with great resources & experiences
To help her with her Action Plan and to continue advancing women’s sports across the world
3
To remain actively involved with her and to learn from her experiences
THREE THINGS WE WANT OUR EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT US:
2
1
Angela: I didn’t come from a golf family. I took the game up on my own.
Rhona: I believe educating and empowering women is key to improving ANY society.
3
Rhona: I have lived and worked in underdeveloped countries where women face extreme discrimination.
QUALITIES of an QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT EMPOWERED WOMAN: MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: Open-Minded Passionate Relationship-Builder
@EWGTS
|
Confident Honest Knowledgeable
#EmpowerWomen
|
Independent Courageous & Kind Strategic & Committed
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
83
84
GlobalSportsWomen.org
CYNTHIA COREDO
+
KENYA
GWEN CONLEY
SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA
85
CYNTHIA COREDO
Boxgirls Kenya Program Manager KENYA Unlike the girls that participate in
earning a scholarship to study in
her programs, CYNTHIA COREDO
secondary school. However, her
is not a boxer. But, she may have
mother soon passed away from
the hardest chin in the gym. Born
depression, and in 2006 her
in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya,
sister also died from tuberculosis.
Cynthia has taken life’s jabs and
It seemed that whenever her
uppercuts since she was 11, but
circumstances improved, another
has powered through to emerge
unexpected punch hit her
on the other side of the chaos.
hard. But, none were strong
“I was very young, and one day
determination.
in boxing programs and equip
the way to the market to buy
“I had to work very hard and
and confidence needed to create
milk and bread, when we saw a
depend on myself,” Cynthia
positive social change. One year
crowd surrounding the street,”
says. “But, I remember at one
later, Cynthia joined full-time as
Cynthia recalls. “And the crowd
point I was sweeping our school
the program manager to support
was saying, ‘Look, this man is
compound and I said to myself,
this underfunded organization
dead.’ And from that moment
‘Cynthia, one day you’re going
which has since reached more
everything changed. It was my
to be a global woman for global
than 1,000 girls and young
father.”
works and you will touch the lives
women around Nairobi through
of young women the way your
the sport of boxing.
my older sister and I were on
One of four siblings, with another on the way, her mother sent her
86
enough to shake her faith and
life is being touched now.’”
them with the leadership skills
In her current position, Cynthia
and her older sister from Nairobi
In 2008, Cynthia began working
coordinates sport and leadership
to live with their grandmother
as a volunteer tutor with Boxgirls
programs aimed at making girls
in a small village. Cynthia
Kenya, a startup organization
stronger, more confident, and
attended an orphan’s school
created to engage women and
goal-oriented inside and outside
where she was a star pupil,
girls from marginalized areas
of the ring. Her daily schedule is
GlobalSportsWomen.org
a vast mix of communicating with
Ogunte Network in the United
donors, evaluating and managing
Kingdom.
resources, organizing staff
Through this program,
trainings, developing curriculum
Cynthia hopes to learn how
and writing grants.
to couple sports programs
In order to prioritize schooling for
with entrepreneurial skills
her brother and younger sister,
that can help the women and
who she has looked after since
girls of Kenya gain economic
her mother’s death, Cynthia was
independence. She also hopes
not able to attend university on a
to gain skills in mentoring and
regular basis (although she has
consulting so that she can train
earned certificates in business
other women to become leaders
management and public relations
in sport and society. We believe
from the University of Nairobi).
Gwen Conley, Group Media
On top of her work with Boxgirls,
Director, and her team at Saatchi
she now attends classes part-time
will be just the innovative thinkers
in pursuit of a degree in gender,
Cynthia needs to accomplish
women and development studies.
these goals.
“I learned that being somebody
Gwen’s curiosity and ability to
that can instill something
combine different mediums to
positive into somebody else’s
achieve integrated solutions will
life is so much greater than any
be perfect in helping Cynthia
other success,” Cynthia says.
develop her entrepreneurial
“Somebody believed in me when
model. Saatchi’s four-year
I was young, and now my goal
investment in the program and
is to invest in girls and young
also in Kenya uniquely positions
women in our community to stand
them to help Cynthia create a
and be role models.”
mentoring program for other Kenyan women. We are excited
Cynthia also recently served as a motivational speaker for the UNESCO World Youth Forum on Sport, Culture and Peace in a featured social innovator by the
@EWGTS
|
“
As mentors, we have to be committed. It’s not just about us teaching them. If you’re really open and build that relationship, they’re going to teach you more than you are ever going to teach them. And it’s so important to be a part of that experience. This isn’t
to watch the Kenyan forces
just something else to add to
collide for the betterment of
the resume -- it’s so much more
women in their society and
than that.
the power they all derive from
Nanjing, China, and was named
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
Saatchi’s support and guidance.
#EmpowerWomen
|
”
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
GWEN CONLEY Saatchi & Saatchi LA
87
CYNTHIA COREDO Boxgirls Kenya Program Manager KENYA
EDUCATION Certificate in Business Management
2014
University of Nairobi
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I enjoy spending time with my family. They create a good environment for me to be happy and to enjoy life in small, unique ways. They always make me laugh. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream since I was 12 years old has been to be a global woman for global works. I want to invest in girls and women around the world. I want to be a philanthropist, and I want to establish an international institute that will give strategic directions to organizations for investing in girls and women in grassroots communities.
88
Programs Manager
2009 – Present
Boxgirls Kenya Motivational Speaker
2014
UNESCO and Nanjing Youth Olympic Organizing Committee World Youth Forum on Sport, Culture, and Peace Program Assistant for Kenya Programs
2012 – 2013
Foundation for International Cardiac and Children Services Facilitator, South Korean Youth Leadership Program United Nations Office of Sport for Development
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2013
THE BIG THREE WITH
CYNTHIA COREDO KENYA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To become equipped for national and international sports consulting
To learn, connect, and collaborate with other leaders using entrepreneurial models
3
To learn how to create leadership and mentorship platforms for women and girls in marginalized communities
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
Growing up without parents gave me a passion for instilling hope in young women.
I am a Christian, but I respect the faiths of others.
3
I love organizing events and cooking.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Strategic Thinker Good Communicator Team Builder & Leader
@EWGTS
|
Positive Attitude Offers Guidance Sets a Good Example
#EmpowerWomen
|
Team Player Change Agent Honest
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
89
GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
GWEN CONLEY
Senior Director Media SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA GWEN CONLEY has more than
Gwen seved as the the
20 years experience in the
Integrated Marketing Director
advertising business, working
at davidandgoliath, where
at Saatchi & Saatchi for the
she created and ran a new
past five years on Toyota. She
department within the agency.
is the Group Media Director
Her team maximizing clients’
overseeing all paid media for
marketing investment across
Toyota. Since joining Saatchi &
all communication channels.
Saatchi, Gwen has led her team
Her approach to media, innate
in developing innovative ideas
curiosity, and progressive
that capitalize on the rapidly
thinking has resulted in ground-
changing marketplace.
breaking custom programs for
Prior to her time at Saatchi,
90
her clients and two Effie awards.
she worked at a variety of
A graduate of the University of
agencies on automotive brands
Florida, Gwen spends spare time
such as Lexus, Kia, and Acura.
traveling the globe. Although
In addition to automotive, her
she’s been in Los Angeles long
in-depth experience covers a
enough to lose her Kentucky
variety of categories, including
accent, she still embraces her
retail, technology, and gaming.
hillbilly roots in her travel blog.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: WHAT ANIMAL ARE YOU MOST LIKE AND WHY? My father once told me that I am just like a pitbull – when I set my mind to something, I just won’t let it go. IF YOU COULD LEARN ANY INSTRUMENT WHAT WOULD IT BE? Piano WHAT SEASON IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY? The summer! I feel like I come alive in the summer. WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING TO YOU LIVE BY? I recently found a great philosophy inside a fortune cookie that said, “Live each day like it’s a separate life.” I love the sentiment and truly want to live by it. But I have to admit that it’s very difficult to do everyday.
THE BIG THREE WITH
GWEN CONLEY SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To learn about another culture
To be inspired to make a difference
3
To assist and empower our emerging leader to reach her goals
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I am truly excited to meet her, and will do everything I can to help her reach her goals.
I love traveling the globe, learning about other cultures, and sharing the adventures.
3
I love dogs.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Passionate Tenacious Kind-Hearted
@EWGTS
|
Empathetic Passionate Good-Listener
#EmpowerWomen
|
Self-Confident Giving Focused
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
91
92
GlobalSportsWomen.org
SHANELLE BARRETT NEW ZEALAND
+
JOAN CORAGGIO SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA
93
SHANELLE BARRETT Technical & Events Advisor Triathlon NZ NEW ZEALAND At five years old, SHANELLE BARRETT begged
Doctors advised her it would be detrimental to her
her dad to let her accompany him to the Taupo
health to continue to race. This experience was
Harriers Club so she could run with the club.
a crushing blow to an athlete who had spent the
But unfortunately, according to the sports club
last 15 years of her life training for an Olympic
policies, she was too young. So she did what any
opportunity.
headstrong little girl would do, she ran anyway. “As a child I was extremely determined and
reach her Olympic goals. With her racing career
competitive,” Shanelle recalls. “By the age of 10,
over, she set her sights on a new pursuit - becoming
I finished my first triathlon. In the same year, I
an internationally qualified technical official for
was invited to be part of the closing ceremonies
the sport of triathlon. In 2012, Shanelle achieved
for the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland,
her lifelong dream and was selected as part of
New Zealand. After watching these amazing,
the officiating team for the London Olympics.
elite athletes, I declared to my Mum that I would
“When I first came into officiating, you maybe saw
become one and make it to the Olympics one day.”
two or three female officials involved,” Shanelle
Years later, Shanelle was on the cusp of making the New Zealand triathlon team for the Athens 2004 Games, but came down with a debilitating illness, glandular fever, and was bed-ridden for six months.
94
Undefeated, however, Shanelle was determined to
says. “So I thought it’d be a good challenge to try and change that. And now, in New Zealand, we probably have 80 percent women officials. We are a developed nation and have broken down a lot of barriers between males and females
GlobalSportsWomen.org
already, but we don’t want to get
Joan Coraggio, Group Director
complacent.”
of Brand Integration, and her team at Saatchi & Saatchi
Shanelle is unyielding,
will provide Shanelle with the
competitive, and driven. In
solid combination of passion,
her role as technical and
expertise, and innovation as
events advisor for Triathlon
well as the energizing support
New Zealand, the national
she needs to continue fighting
governing body for triathlon,
for women and persons with
duathlon, aquathon and cross
disabilities in New Zealand.
triathlon, she is responsible for taking the technical program
Joan and her team are creative
from “the dark side” of an, old
geniuses who can whiteboard
school, male-dominated culture
and find solutions to the most
to increased participation and
difficult challenges. Saatchi’s
access for women and persons
incredible partnership with
with disabilities. Shanelle works
Paralympians, including Amy
closely with Paralympics NZ,
Purdy, and their longstanding
the Halberg Disability Sport
commitment to diversity and
Foundation, and Parafeds to
inclusion may provide Shanelle
accomplish her inclusion goals.
with new and creative ideas in the disability sports sphere. In
During her time in the United
addition, Saatchi has experience
States, Shanelle wants to learn
working in the triathlon space
new strategies for working in
and valuable connections with
a multicultural environment to promote diversity and inclusivity. Although she has been in event feels there is more to learn and ways to scale the sport both in access, marketing, and
professionals in the sports field –
@EWGTS
|
some incredible things in my career, but this has been a completely different incredibly fulfilling to use my
for Shanelle. With such ripe
skill set to help women who
believe Joan and Saatchi are
– as athletes, officials, and
ever worked on. I’ve done
event management experiences
of diversity and inclusion, we
mentoring programs for women
impactful program I’ve
experience for me. It’s
make a difference in the realm
to gain greater insight into
“
This has been the most
both of which will offer insightful
opportunities for Shanelle to
promotions. Shanelle also hopes
forward in a unified effort.
California Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,
management for 15 years, she
to propel women of all abilities
USA Triathlon and the Southern
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
the best to help her navigate an action plan around sport and human rights.
#EmpowerWomen
|
are developing NGOs and
”
meaningful programs in their countries.
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
JOAN CORAGGIO Saatchi & Saatchi LA
95
SHANELLE BARRETT Technical & Events Advisor Triathlon NZ NEW ZEALAND
EDUCATION Business Management
2002
Waiariki Polytechnic; Rotorua, New Zealand Sports and Exercise Science
1997
Auckland University; Auckland, New Zealand
FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I was a huge fan of sports growing up! I played Netball, basketball, tennis, athletics, and competed in Triathlons. WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My family. They are a huge part of my life and are my biggest fans and support crew when it comes to what I do in my life and the successes that come my way. We all have a very close and strong bond in life and are lucky enough to all live in the same town!
Bursary – Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, English Taupo Nui-a-Tia College; Taupo, New Zealand
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Managing Director
2009 – Present
Event Management Business Chief Swim Official
2012
London Olympic Games Technical Manager
2007 – 2009
Triathlon NZ Accounts Manager
2005 – 2007
Metframe NZ Ltd Accounts Manager Competitive Edge Consultants
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, I have a black Cocker Spaniel named Mika.
96
1996
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2002 – 2005
THE BIG THREE WITH
SHANELLE BARRETT NEW ZEALAND
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To gain a greater understanding of American culture and apply it to multicultural environments
2
To learn best practices for event management
3
To encourage women to participate in & to improve my mentoring skills
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I’m mainly involved in Triathlons, but I’ve worked other events as well.
I’m committed to getting the most I can out of the program.
3
I’m a good listener and will generally take in all of my surroundings before making myself heard.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Committed Honest Good Communicator
Dedication Integrity Flexibility
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Positive Attitude Dedicated Confident
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
97
GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
JOAN CORAGGIO
Group Communications Director Brand Integration SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA JOAN CORAGGIO has built a 20-year career with strategic planning and execution of Event Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing programs. She has worked to evolve Event Marketing into a multidimensional experience that includes social, digital, and media integration to reflect the changing technology trends. Currently, she is the Group Director of the Brand Integration team at Saatchi & Saatchi LA where she works on the Toyota account. In her role, she guides strategies that focus on lifestyle passion points and interests that reflect consumers’ dynamic lives. Her team develops
Joan with 2014 GSMP Alumna Salhat Abbasova (left) of Azerbaijan and 2014 GSMP Alumna Maqulate Onyango (right) of Kenya
and oversees national Toyota sponsorships in sports, music, and other lifestyle interest that support the 23 Toyota vehicle models. Programs include a variety of music festival such as Lollapalooza and Stagecoach, sports relationships and strategic partnerships including Lifetime Fitness Clubs and Bass Pro Shops. Last year, her team managed more than 300 events across 1,000 event days. Prior to joining Saatchi, Joan spent five years as the VP/Director of Events and Promotions at Wunderman/Y&R in Irvine, CA working on the Lincoln Mercury business. She managed key sponsorships such as Cirque du Soleil supporting the Lincoln LS launch, in addition to multiple media partnerships and Lincoln’s sponsorship of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. In her early career, she spent seven years at Universal Studios in Hollywood, producing events on the back lot for all entities of Universal, including the Motion Picture Group, Television, MCA Records, and other entertainment clients.
98
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? Definitely my daughter. She is an old soul with a young heart. She makes me examine my life and my actions daily. DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Strangely, I do a really great chicken imitation – yep! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, I have a 130lb Great Dane named, Coach. He’s a sweetheart.
THE BIG THREE WITH
JOAN CORAGGIO SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To provide our Emerging Leader with experiences that inspire her passion and work
To help provide tangible tools that the ELs can apply in their home countries
3
To build a lifelong friendship and continued source for our mutual idea exchange and inspiration
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I’m a mother of an 11-year-old girl who loves sports. I see the benefits of it and want every girl, no matter where she lives, to have the opportunity.
I love to travel and would spend my last dollar on an experience before I would spend it on a thing.
3
My sense of humor has been the most valuable tool for networking.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Empathetic Leads by Example Effective Communicator
Genuine Curious Confident
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Curious Authentic Self-Aware
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
99
100
GlobalSportsWomen.org
NAJAT ALSAYEGH
KUWAIT
+
LAURA DIXON
SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
101
NAJAT ALSAYEGH
Head of Planning & Youth Development Ministry of State for Youth Affairs KUWAIT NAJAT ALSAYEGH is living in the midst of historical
believed in gender equality and has fought for this
changes taking place in Kuwait’s societal
right since a very young age.
perception of women. Since gaining the right to vote in 2005, women in this small Arab nation have become increasingly involved in political life. In 2009, women won four parliamentary seats. Today, Kuwaiti women are looking for more governmental support and encouragement to empower them to reach higher political and social positions.
“In Kuwait, each school selects a group of students to salute the flag every morning. As a child, I desperately wanted to be chosen for this special duty. So one day, my two friends and I decided to practice saluting it. And my teacher came running for me and said I had to go to the classroom immediately because saluting the flag is only for boys! At five years old, I could not understand why
Najat aspires to political leadership, preferring
my friend Fahad could salute the flag and I could
to focus on the increased opportunities in Kuwait
not! My parents and I had a long talk with the
for women to find their voice rather than potential
principal, asking that I be treated with the same
roadblocks. As the saying goes: “Where there’s a
dignity and respect as the boys. Since that day, I
will, there’s a way.”
have saluted the flag.”
She credits her family and sports for instilling in her
As a child, Najat’s passion for Kuwait was only
the belief in equal rights for all. She has always
rivaled by her passion for sport. “I have always
102
GlobalSportsWomen.org
been in love with sports. My
business leaders within the next
passion began in elementary
two years.
school with basketball and competitions between our school teams. But, like many other
Najat’s passion for youth development, holistic health, and sports opportunities for women
countries, support for Kuwaiti
and girls, specifically basketball,
women’s basketball teams just
could not be a better fit for
didn’t exist at the time. So my
Laura Dixon, Executive Director
dream of playing basketball became more of a hobby, giving me more time to focus on my
for Community Responsibility at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Laura and her team are driven
academics.”
to be the most impactful sports
After earning a bachelor’s
organization in the world and
degree in political science
are working on community-based
from Kuwait University, and
programs in San Antonio to
spending more than three years
help them achieve this mission.
in marketing, public relations
Although they have many
and event management, Najat
programs and causes that will be
accepted her current role as
relevant to Najat, their passion
a project manager with the
for empowering underserved
Ministry of Youth Affairs. Since
communities through health,
January 2014, she has worked
education, and sport are most
from her position within the
synergistic to Najat’s dream for
government to open free sports
Kuwait. Together, we feel these
clubs in communities where
two will create incredible social
women have the least access, in
awareness campaigns for each
an effort to promote participation
of their respective communities
and combat high rates of obesity
that will make both better places
and diabetes in these areas.
for the next generation. We can’t
She also launched a project
wait to see the results.
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
We get so caught up in our lives and lose perspective of what’s going on around us. These women bring an incredible, fresh perspective to our group. As we become more global, these programs are invaluable.
”
LAURA DIXON Spurs Sports & Entertainment
called The Ugly Truth, part of the Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WEI), to train women in mid-management in soft skills like work ethic, teamwork and leadership, with hopes of seeing a two-percent increase in female
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
103
NAJAT ALSAYEGH
Head of Planning & Youth Development Ministry of State for Youth Affairs KUWAIT
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
2010
Kuwait University; Kuwait City, Kuwait
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have three sisters and one brother.
Project Manager
Kuwait National Youth Leadership Program Freelance Manager 2013 – Present Sports Event Planning
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Crossfit!
Marketing / PR Manager
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be the first woman prime minister in Kuwait.
Pink Coffee Marketing
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my grandmother.
Recruitment Coordinator
HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE? Yes, India.
National Assembly
2013 – Present
Al Garabally Group Company
Senior PR Manager / Business Development Officer
2012 – 2013
Events Supervisor
AYMSTRONG
2012
2010 – 2012
M.H. Al Shaya Company
Intern
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? Vanilla ice cream
104
2014 – Present
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2010
THE BIG THREE WITH
NAJAT ALSAYEGH KUWAIT
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To gain new knowledge about the U.S. sport industry
To learn from the best sports industry leaders
3
To create an international network of empowered women
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I’m very social.
I’m a fast learner.
3
I’m addicted to burgers!
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Visionary Good Listener Ambitious
Connected Ambitious Visionary
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Visionary Flexible Good Communicator
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
105
LAURA DIXON
Executive Director Community Responsibility SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAURA DIXON joined Spurs Sports & Entertainment in January 2010 to direct the organization’s community responsibility efforts and serves as the Executive Director of Silver & Black Give Back. At Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Laura and her team manage the public charity and corporate social responsibility efforts of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Stars (WNBA), Rampage (AHL), Austin Spurs (D League), and the AT&T Center (arena). They spearheaded the reorganization of the Spurs Foundation, rebranding the 25 year-old public charity, now known as Silver & Black Give Back. They also created a service learning program, the Team Up Challenge, which empowers young people to change the world by connecting classroom curriculum with community service, bringing education alive in powerful ways. The Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives her team has implemented focus on the needs of the AT&T Center neighborhood, military families and health and wellness in San Antonio. They have mobilized the staff of the organization to become a volunteer army who work to address critical needs of our community. Before joining the Spurs Sports & Entertainment family, Laura was a partner at Victor Credo Sports where her clients included two NBA All-Stars and Olympic Gold Medalists, agents, pro sports teams, amateur athletic organizations, and NCAA coaches, including the 2008 Men’s Basketball National Champion coach, Bill Self. Laura grew up on a farm north of Dallas. Her love of community and sport come from her family, where she is one of 12 children. She has three dogs (Cooper, Avery, and Otis).
106
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Running or Yoga…depends on what my body says. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I lived a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? New Years Eve Eve (Dec. 30)
THE BIG THREE WITH
LAURA DIXON
SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To improve understanding and perspective of our work and why it matters beyond our walls
To inspire those in our organization and league to consider opportunities such as GSMP
3
To create connections that allow for future growth and development
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
My beliefs, values, and confidences are Biblically based.
I’m a new mom to a 3-year-old boy.
3
Being wasteful and lazy scares me.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Team-Oriented Passionate Intrinsically Motivated
@EWGTS
|
Team-Oriented Values-Driven Intrinsically motivated
#EmpowerWomen
|
Curious Flexible Persistent
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
107
108
GlobalSportsWomen.org
CECILIA VALES MEXICO
+
KAREN MORRISON
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
109
CECILIA VALES
Gonzo Soccer Executive Director for Mexico & Latin America MEXICO CECILIA VALES approaches every
of experience in non-profit
has to validate and empower
day of her life with a clear
organizations with the mission
young girls. She is working hard
mission: “Save the world and get
to improve the quality of life for
to combat the machismo culture
every girl in our academy into
girls and families affected by
prevalent in her community and
college.”
poverty and violence. “There’s a
continuously advocates for the
lot of violence in my community
power of sport to transform lives.
and throughout the country,”
“Sport has a silent power, but
Cecilia says. “Women suffer from
the people in Mexico don’t give
many forms of abuse. There are
importance to it,” Cecilia says.
especially abuses in the maquilas
“If you want to be an athlete,
(foreign-owned factories) in
you’re on your own. And, for
Mexico. Through soccer, we try
us, it’s sometimes hard because
to show girls there are other
there are psychological issues
possibilities in life and there are
and abuses. But we know sport
different roads to get where they
is the answer. It can be a safe
want.”
place for them.”
Cecilia, the executive director for Gonzo Soccer Latin America, an organization that provides underserved girls in Mexico, Colombia and the U.S. with elite soccer and life-skills training, has been on this mission since 2009. A former college soccer player at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City where she earned a bachelor’s
110
degree in international relations,
As a former collegiate athlete,
Cecilia has more than a decade
Cecilia knows the potential sport
GlobalSportsWomen.org
On top of life skills training and mentorship, Gonzo provides
nutrition classes and English-language instruction to girls, in hopes it will increase their opportunities and end the cycle of poverty so prevalent in these communities. “We all know soccer doesn’t last forever, so our main objective is for the girls to go to college and get a degree,” Cecilia says. In her role at Gonzo, Cecilia oversees the opening of new academies, monitors soccer coaches and management staff, devises business strategies, develops strategic alliances, leads fundraising efforts, and supervises the digital marketing strategy of the organization. In 2014, Cecilia attended the espnW Women and Sports Summit with Monica Gonzalez, Gonzo Soccer co-founder and former Mexico women’s national team soccer player. Through the GSMP, which concludes with attendance at the summit, Cecilia wants to take further advantage of the opportunity to network with strong female leaders, familiarize herself with new leadership and funding strategies, and learn more about U.S. legislation like Title IX that has served to empower American girls and women in their pursuit of sports opportunities.
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
When I was younger, having female role models to look up to who participated in the Olympics ignited this fire in me to participate in sports. Then
We think Karen Morrison, Chief Diversity Officer, and Tiffany Sayhaydak, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, at the University of Central Florida (UCF), will be an incredible duo to help Cecilia
I was able to play on the first Olympic team ever for
address these issues. Being on campus at UCF will give Cecilia
women’s soccer. So I’m in
first-hand insight into the ways soccer and education support and
the position where I can
enhance the student-athlete experience. Karen’s background and expertise in Title IX and Tiffany’s role as a former Olympian, and
relate to these young girls
now head coach, will provide Cecilia with the resources she needs to
who have dreams and need
push for legislative change in Mexico while also advancing her goals
to be inspired to get that
to create a supportive and safe space for the girls in her academy.
fire going. That’s what I
Collectively, we are excited to watch these three create new pathways for women and girls in Mexico to achieve their dreams of education through sports and to end the current cycles of poverty and violence that exist.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
”
hope to contribute.
TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK University of Central Florida
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
111
CECILIA VALES
Gonzo Soccer Executive Director for Mexico & Latin America MEXICO
EDUCATION Certification of Sports Philanthropy
2015
George Washington University Certification for Digital Marketing
FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I played soccer since I was 5 until university. I also played tennis and loved any outdoor sport that involved a ball.
University of Texas Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations
2007
Universidad Iberoamericana de la Ciudad de México
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director of Mexico and Latin America
2014 – Present
Gonzo Soccer
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXTREME SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY? I love scuba diving and watch everything from surfing to freestyle biking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, snowboarding, and sailing.
Accounts Manager
HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I have been lucky to travel a lot in my life and one of my favorite places is India. The culture and people are amazing.
Human Resources Analyst
112
2013
2012 – 2013
Klein and Gross
Senior Manager of Image Marketing
2010 – 2012
Jerry ML Junior Consultant
2008 – 2010
Asesoria Estrategia Total
Nycomed Mexico
2008
Assistant
2007
Asociación Civil de Acompañamiento a Migrantes y Refugiados
GlobalSportsWomen.org
THE BIG THREE WITH
CECILIA VALES MEXICO
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To learn about women’s rights in America so I can work to apply them in Latin America
2
To create a network that promotes women’s empowerment through sports
3
To learn best practices from other women who promote sport for women and girls
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I am passionate about empowering women and girls through sport so they will become leaders.
I am eager to learn new things.
3
I am committed to achieving my goals.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Listener Empathetic Actions align with beliefs
Learner Passionate Dedicated
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Self-assured Listener Good Communication
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
113
GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
KAREN MORRISON Chief Diversity Officer UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK
Head Women’s Soccer Coach UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
As the University of Central
An Olympic gold medallist,
Florida’s Chief Diversity Officer,
World Cup champion and a two-
KAREN MORRISON coordinates
time NCAA champion, TIFFANY
the university’s effort to build a
ROBERTS SAHAYDAK has been the
culture of inclusion and respect
University of Central Florida’s
for all students, faculty and staff.
head women’s soccer coach
She is responsible for developing
since May 2013. In her first
diversity and inclusion as the
season, the two-time American
university’s leadership priority,
Athletic Conference Coach of the
and also initiates and supports
Year led UCF to a school-record
relevant training programs while
unbeaten streak (18 matches) and
engaging the campus and larger
the program’s first undefeated
community in collaborative
conference season since 1999.
initiatives and partnerships. Karen also served eight years as the director of inclusion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Before joining UCF, Tiffany spent six seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University alongside her current UCF associate head coach and
Karen earned a Juris Doctorate
husband Tim Sahaydak. She lives
from the University of Notre Dame
in Orlando with Tim and their two
Law School.
daughters, Layla and Evie.
Karen with 2013 GSMP Alumna Yu-Hsien “Blue” Tseng of Taiwan
114
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: IF YOU COULD LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? Karen: The piano. My youngest is taking lessons, and I like the thought of playing with him. WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? Karen: I love bouncing ideas around with my colleagues, but I love spending time with my sons. Work invigorates me...I love good challenges. My sons make me feel proud and loved. They also make me feel a responsibility to prepare others for happiness and success. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? Tiffany: My teammates from the US National Team. They led by serving, cared for others, and were humble and selfless. They’re also some of the most competitive women in the world. I learned you can balance being tough and compassionate.
THE BIG THREE WITH
KAREN MORRISON & TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To expose our Emerging Leader to new cultural experiences and develop a long-term relationship
To support our Emerging Leader in the development of an effective Action Plan
3
To advance the vision of GSMP: Making the world a better place by women’s empowerment through sport
THREE THINGS we WANT our emerging leader TO KNOW ABOUT US:
2
1
Karen: Sport made all the difference in my life, and I’m excited to support your efforts.
We are here to listen, guide, and support you.
3
Tiffany: I love coaching collegeaged women & watching them develop during their time here at UCF.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Enthusiastic Open-Minded Good Communicator
@EWGTS
|
Trustworthy Good Communicator Respectful
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident & Tenacious Happy & Ambitious Growth Mindset
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
115
116
GlobalSportsWomen.org
BATOUL ARNAOUT JORDAN
+
ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC
117
BATOUL ARNAOUT
Sport Marketing & PR Specialist BOOST JORDAN BATOUL ARNAOUT still gets stares as she rides her
found strength and independence. She knows this
bike through Amman, Jordan. A grown woman on
would not have been possible without the constant
a bicycle continues to raise eyebrows in the Middle
support of her father, who stood by her side even
East. Batoul challenges the status quo, choosing to
as other voices in her life told her to settle down.
embody a sports woman in a culture that still sees sports as a purely male domain.
“He raised me to be a strong, confident and independent woman,” Batoul says. “He taught
“For lots of people, they don’t think I’m a normal
me how to work hard to achieve my dreams and
person,” Batoul says. “I’m 36 years old and I’m
how to never underestimate myself as a woman. I
always on the streets, running or on my bicycle.
learned from him that dignity and integrity always
But just because I’m doing something that is not
come first.”
accepted by the public, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop. I wouldn’t leave sports for anyone.”
A former public relations regional manager for LG Electronics in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq,
Batoul has been relentless in her pursuit of sport.
with an MBA in marketing from the University
From the age of five, she has participated in a
of Mutah, Batoul has always found a way to
range of athletics, including basketball, squash,
incorporate sport into her professional life. After
and taekwondo. To this day, she continues taking
a promising career in management, she founded
part in athletics as an avid cyclist and long distance
BOOST – Better Opportunities & Options for
runner. Through sports experiences, she has
Sports Today —in April 2014, with the aim of
118
GlobalSportsWomen.org
increasing access to sport for
non-profits on her campaigns,
Jordanians and improving the
(such as Cycling Jordan), and
standard of sport across the
wants to continue engaging
country.
community leaders to increase BOOST’s positive impact in
“I was jogging in the Sport City (Al Hussein Youth City in Amman) and there was so much trash and [people] smoking everywhere,”
the area. She has already received media attention from The Jordan Times and AlJazeera, the largest television
Batoul says. “So I decided to
network in the Arab world.
launch a campaign to clean up
Now, she wants to learn more
the running track and announce
about strategic partnerships,
it as a non-smoking area so athletes would want to go back.”
campaign fundraising, website development, and event management to perpetuate the
After the success of the
organization’s growth.
cleanup campaign, which received support from over
Batoul’s passion for healthy
100 volunteers, Batoul officially
sports environments, coupled
registered BOOST. She then
with her love of cycling and
launched “Help Them Become
her background in squash,
Champions,” a follow-up project
make Alicia McConnell,
aimed at providing underserved
Director of Training Sites and
children by encouraging people
Community Partnerships at
to donate sports wear and equipment at collection sites in 10 fitness centers.
the USOC a natural match for this mentorship. Based in
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
In the United States, we’re very fortunate. We have a lot of resources and we have a lot of opportunities. Sharing these with people from around the world and doing everything we can to assist is a wonderful thing because many of us get so much more
”
from giving than from getting. It’s wonderful to help grow women’s sports around the globe.
Colorado Springs, the USOC
“Because I am an athlete, I know the situation in Jordan,” Batoul says. “I was lucky because my family was supportive, and they helped me buy my equipment to play, but others aren’t so lucky. The joy I get from helping these kids is priceless. It makes me
beauty and the residents are committed to clean air and the environment. Just a short drive from USOC headquarters is USA Cycling, a fantastic connection for Batoul given her cycling and fundraising endeavors. Further, Alicia is a top athlete and served
sleep happy.”
as a squash coach before coming
As part of her efforts, Batoul
to the USOC. Alicia’s passion for
partnered with other local
community outreach will
@EWGTS
|
ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC
is surrounded by natural
#EmpowerWomen
|
prove invaluable for Batoul as she engages local Jordanians in community service projects. We look forward to watching this relationship blossom and all of the amazing things they will learn from one another – on bikes, on the court, and in the community.
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
119
BATOUL ARNAOUT
Sport Marketing & PR Specialist BOOST JORDAN
EDUCATION Master of Arts in Business Marketing
2004
2000
University of Mutah; Maw’tah, Jordan Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
University of Jordan; Amman, Jordan
FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF YES, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes! Yoko, my beautiful cat. She is 2 years old. I named her after a Japanese longdistance runner who looks like her! The name means positive energy, which she is. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My dad. I learned from him that dignity and integrity come first. He raised me to be a strong, confident, and independent woman. He taught me how to work hard to achieve my dreams and how to never underestimate myself as a woman. He is a well-educated, honest, and passionate person whom I admire.
120
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Communication and Outreach Officer
2014 – Present
USAID Sustainable Cultural Heritage & Community Engagement Founder 2014 – Present BOOST
PR Regional Manager
2010 – 2014
LG Levant
Senior Account Manager
2005 – 2009
iRelations
Strategic Account Planner & Media Planner Team Holding Group
2003 – 2005
Marketing and Sales Manager SportUp Jordan
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2002 – 2003
THE BIG THREE WITH
BATOUL ARNAOUT JORDAN
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To gain knowledge, skills, and experience that is applicable to my initiative, “BOOST”
To learn best practices and meet experts in the sports industry
3
To learn how to develop a 5-year-plan to make “BOOST” sustainable
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I believe in the power of sports for developing nations.
2
I believe all athletes should have equal opportunity, regardless of gender, age, or social status.
3
I am passionate and hardworking, and I believe I was born to make a difference through sport.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Experienced Shares Knowledge Enthusiastic
Passionate Strategic Thinker Knowledgeable
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident Independent Smart
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
121
GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR
ALICIA MCCONNELL
Director of Training Sites and Community Partnerships USOC ALICIA MCCONNELL is the Director of Training Sites and Community Partnerships for the United States Olympic Committee. Her main responsibility is to cultivate collaborations with community organizations throughout the United States and to access additional resources, services, and facilities for athletes and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport. She oversees 16 Olympic and Paralympic Training Sites, which serve national athletes and teams as well as 10 Community Olympic Development Programs that create sport opportunities for youth. Since 2006, the partners have contributed
Alicia with 2014 GSMP Alumna Deniz Cengiz of Turkey
to more than $35 million to offset USOC, NGB, and athlete training and development costs.
FUN FACTS:
Alicia earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in Economics and is very active in her community. She serves as Board President of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Treasurer of the National Council for Youth Sports, and is a member of the El Pomar Youth Sports Park and Pikes Peak Community Foundation Boards. She also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees of local and national non-profit organizations. In 2007, Alicia was awarded “Woman of Distinction” by the Girls Scouts, was named an “ATHENA” finalist in 2013 by the Colorado Springs Business Alliance, and was designated as a “Woman of Influence” in 2013 by the Colorado Springs Business Journal, all for her community service in Colorado Springs. She was a member of the 2005 class of the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and has the honor of being in three Halls of Fame.
122
GlobalSportsWomen.org
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green – Luck of the Irish! WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My grandmother, Alice. Alicia is Spanish for Alice. DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I like to dance! WHAT’S SOMETHING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? I’d love to take a sailboat trip to Alaska.
THE BIG THREE WITH
ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To help our Emerging Leader network with others who can help her reach her goals
To complete a clear, realistic, and relevant business
3
To utilize the USOC resources and expertise to assist our Emerging Leader
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I’m very active. I have been a top athlete and coach in the sport of squash.
I enjoy meeting people and learning about new cultures and global perspectives.
3
I love community service, am very involved in Colorado Springs, and have traveled extensively.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Listens Empowers Guides
Self-Motivated Open-Minded Risk-Taker
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Collaborates Determined Persistent
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
123
124
GlobalSportsWomen.org
JULIE PATERSON
NEW ZEALAND
+
DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION
125
JULIE PATERSON
CEO Netball Northern Zone Northern Mystics NEW ZEALAND It’s scoring a game-winning shot
professional athletes for the
especially those from poor
at the buzzer. It’s stopping an
Northern Mystics, a major
communities. But it’s challenging.
opponent just shy of the goal.
professional netball team
We’re always thinking creatively
It’s the camaraderie of winning
managed by the organization.
about how to make our sport
the title. It’s the heart-pounding
With a decade of experience as
more accessible to women who
magic that we have come to
the CEO, Julie handles an annual
can’t afford to play it, giving
associate with sport.
operating budget of $2.5 million,
women a pathway to succeed in
with nine full-time staff reporting
life.”
JULIE PATERSON appreciates all the splendor and effort of
One of Julie’s concerns,
high-performance sport. But, she
As a child, Julie played netball,
therefore, is the lack of funding
also understands that it takes
New Zealand’s most popular
given to netball in comparison
commitment and behind-the-
women’s sport and a rival to
to New Zealand’s other sports.
scenes efforts for athletes and
rugby in terms of raw numbers
The proportion of funding
sports fans to experience these
of participants. But, she wasn’t
allocated to netball is less than
moments: “You have to have the
as interested in playing sports
half of that to rugby and less
right system, running efficiently,
herself as she was in making sure
than other sports with far fewer
to make sports moments
sports operated efficiently so that
participants. Julie wants to
magical,” she says.
others could play. Julie works in
inspire private organizations to
this capacity at Netball Northern
get involved in order to develop
Zone, which reaches from South
leadership programs and expand
Auckland to the northern parts
netball’s outreach for the social
of the island inhabited by large
and economic empowerment of
numbers of the indigenous Maori
women in her country.
As the CEO of Netball Northern Zone in New Zealand, Julie has a wide range of responsibilities, from communicating with 17 independent netball centers in her zone, to securing
126
directly to her.
people.
“Commercially we secure millions
sponsorships, game revenue
“In my experiences, sport has
of dollars less than male sports,”
and funding, to contracting
been a way to empower women,
Julie says. “We have a very
GlobalSportsWomen.org
strong commercial proposition in our elite netball game through live broadcast of the competition, as well as an opportunity to tap into our vast participation base, and yet we struggle to achieve anything near equitable support from businesses or other funders.” Through the GSMP, Julie hopes to gain first-hand knowledge and understanding of international sports administration. Further, she plans to study the best approaches and practices around the commercialization and profit development of women’s sports in the United States. She seeks ways to make netball more accessible, especially for Maori and Pacific Island girls and girls from underserved areas in New Zealand. With Julie’s experience as a CEO—coupled with her desire to increase funding for women’s sports and her passion to make sport
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
We are excited and proud to be a part of the Global Sports Mentoring Program. The Women’s Sports Foundation is dedicated to promoting leadership, and it has been a very rewarding experience
more accessible—we can think of no better mentor than Deborah
to meet so many aspiring
Slaner Larkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Deborah
and inspiring women from
has been working to advance women’s rights and female leadership
countries around the world.
opportunities for over 30 years and loves encouraging aspiring female leaders. In addition, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s
We are eager to welcome this
historical fight for equality in regards to sponsorship, pay, and media
year’s Emerging Leader and
attention should also offer valuable lessons for Julie as she advances
look forward to sharing our
the game of netball in New Zealand. Lastly, the Foundation’s Sport
experience and expertise with
4 Life program, dedicated to creating sports opportunities for girls in underserved communities, may prove especially beneficial to Julie as she tries to reach lower socio-economic regions in the North of
will learn as much from her.
New Zealand. We are excited to see how these two CEOs develop a strategic plan of attack to ensure the growth of netball and the subsequent development of the girls and women who play it.
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
”
her – knowing full well that we
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN Women’s Sports Foundation
127
JULIE PATERSON
CEO Netball Northern Zone Northern Mystics NEW ZEALAND
EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree, Commerce
Massey University Diploma, Economics
FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My kids are at a great age of learning and being involved with lots of different sports and activities – and they are still young enough to love hanging out with us! WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My father. There was nothing on the family farm that my sisters and I didn’t do. I grew up with a very strong belief that girls can do anything and was always supported in that approach by my father.
Southland Girls High School; Invercargill, New Zealand
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS CEO
2012 – Present
Netball Northern Zone
CEO
2012
LG Mystics
CEO
2005 – 2011
Netball Southland and Southern Steel Business Owner
2004 – 2008
Busy Bodies Child Care
Regional Manager of Tourism Venture Southland
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, we have a cat named Blackball and two mice, Lightening and Dot.
128
GlobalSportsWomen.org
1997 – 2005
THE BIG THREE WITH
JULIE PATERSON NEW ZEALAND
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To brainstorm new ideas for program participation and retention
To make sport more accessible for lower socioeconomic groups
3
To develop a platform for sustainable funding
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
I
I like to be direct and prefer when others are direct with me.
I am hard-working and committed.
QUALITIES of a great EMERGING LEADER:
QUALITIES of a great MENTOR:
QUALITIES of an EMPOWERED WOMAN:
Great Listener Encouraging Constructive
Independent Thinker Confident Supportive
Open-Minded Growth Mindset Applies Knowledge
@EWGTS
|
3
I love my family and enjoy watching my children play sports.
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
129
GSMP 2014 MENTOR
DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN President and CEO WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION
DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation, has more than 30 years’ experience of executive experience in corporate, government, and non-profit leadership. Her strengths are fundraising, marketing, and working collaboratively with individuals, sports, and public and private entities. Considered an expert on Title IX, Ms. Larkin has worked behind the scenes for years, educating the public about gender equity, while serving on the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. She’s also testified before Congress on health, gender equity, and Title IX issues. During that time, she also co-managed the critically acclaimed President’s Council Report – Physical Activity & Sport in the Lives of Girls: Physical & Mental Health Dimension from an interdisciplinary approach, and she chaired the Council’s Committee on Minorities. Ms. Larkin recognizes the dual importance of using evidence-based research to uncover the needs of and address the gaps for underserved populations in sports and then works with sports organizations to use that information to increase equal access and quality programming. Throughout her career, Ms. Larkin has focused her efforts on promoting civil rights, women’s leadership, and gender equity on the local, regional, state, and national levels. In recognition of her involvement and services toward many Supreme Court victories, she was nominated by Senator Jeff Klein as the 2012 “Distinguished Woman of New York” and won the award on May 15 of that year. Ms. Larkin also serves on the boards of the National Women’s Law Center, My Sisters’ Place, SUNY Purchase, RE: Gender (formerly the National Council on Research for Women) and NYJTL.
130
GlobalSportsWomen.org
Deborah with 2014 GSMP Alumna Anne-Dorte Andersen of Denmark
FUN FACTS: IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple – It’s the color of good judgement and mystery, and it’s a combination of blue (my favorite color) and red, which always makes a statement. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE? I play and compete in tennis, workout, and walk. IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I’d love to go to Alaska, Turkey, and New Zealand.
THE BIG THREE WITH
DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To educate our Emerging Leader about the WSF and the efforts we support
To assist our Emerging Leader with her Action Plan
3
To continue supporting international efforts for women’s sports
THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
2
1
I’m passionate about gender equity, women’s sports, and opportunities for all.
I’ve worked for 30 years in the area of women’s rights and leadership.
3
I’m an athlete, have a daughter who was a college athlete, and still compete.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Team-Player Uses sport to develop leaders Knowledgeable
@EWGTS
|
Involved Listens Networks
#EmpowerWomen
|
Focused & Confident Builds a strong and diverse team Collaborates
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
131
132
GlobalSportsWomen.org
VERONICA OSOGO
+
KENYA
KATHRYN CHAPPETTO
WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION
CINDY LUPKEY
WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION
133
VERONICA OSOGO
President & Founder Zion Zone Tennis Foundation KENYA Tennis and life in the slums are as difficult to put together in one’s imagination as they are in actuality. Such was the case in Kenya until former professional tennis player VERONICA OSOGO began her work in Kibera, a large slum settlement three miles outside of downtown Nairobi. “The game was very strange for the kids,” Veronica says. “At first, they called it golf and they called me their golf teacher. Most of them had never seen it. But they asked me to never stop coming back and I haven’t.”
134
challenges. It made me realize there are problems all around me, but I can do something about them. I can change a life. And I can use sport to do that. Sports are not money or food, both of which encourage
It was almost a decade ago that
dependency. Sports are lifelong
Veronica first entered Kibera,
skills that empower people to
where the majority of its one
become independent leaders
million inhabitants live off less
and thinkers. Someone gave me
than one dollar a day. She
tennis and this is better than any
brought a few rackets and balls
gift they could have given to me.
to teach the kids the sport she
Now I am committed to giving it
fell in love with as an adult.
to others.”
“During my travels with tennis,
In 2000, Veronica graduated
I met so many people who had
from Guru Nanak Dev University
GlobalSportsWomen.org
in India with a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Afterward, she competed professionally on the African tennis circuit, winning doubles titles in Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan and Ethiopia. When not competing, she coaches on behalf of the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association, the sport’s national governing body,
and in 2014 helped the women’s
clubs. With our own center, the
wheelchair tennis team qualify
kids could feel more at home
for the BNP Paribas World Team
and there would be more money
Cup, a historic achievement for
for equipment and tournament
her country.
travel.”
In 2006, Veronica launched Zion
There is no greater mentor
Zone Tennis out of her early
for Veronica than the largest
volunteer work in the slums with
women’s sports federation in
the purpose of engaging children
the world, the Women’s Tennis
through a range of activities
Association. Working with
that promote physical health,
Kathryn Chappetto, Director
self-exploration, and, ultimately,
of Partnerships, and Cindy
alleviate poverty. In a nine-year
Lupkey, Manager of Global
span, the organization has
Administration and Projects,
grown from serving 28 students
will not only be a personally
at its inception to more than
fulfilling experience for Veronica,
500 today. In 2009, Veronica
but also a professional dream
won the Sportsperson of the
come true. As Veronica seeks
Year (SOYA) award as Kenya’s
to grow the game of tennis,
“Community Hero” for her work.
we feel confident that Kathryn
“My biggest desire is to establish this program in different slums and reach more children,” Veronica says. “My dream is to have my own tennis center, a place for the children to come and enjoy themselves. Right
and Cindy will give her the guidance, support, and resources she needs to exceed even her own expectations. Kathryn and Cindy’s backgrounds in marketing, communications, and public relations will undoubtedly help Veronica tell her own story
now, all of the money I raise
and ultimately market Zion
is used to pay rent to private
Zone Tennis to a number of new audiences – including sponsors – who can assist her in purchasing her own facility. We are excited
FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:
“
This program really aligns with our values at the WTA – all about empowering women through sports. We do it on the daily. These interactions are really enriching too, exposing our office to someone else who is passionate to learn about what we do and our world. It’s a win-win.
to watch these three serve up new ideas as they dream of ways to empower underserved girls in Kiberia through tennis. @EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
”
KATHRYN CHAPPETTO Women’s Tennis Association
135
VERONICA OSOGO
President & Founder Zion Zone Tennis Foundation KENYA
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Economics
2000
Khalsa College, Guru Nanak Dev University, India
FUN FACTS: DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU’RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. Yes, tennis has opened many doors for me. It’s kept me out of trouble and exposed me to different countries and cultures. Also, I came up with the Zion Foundation after a visit to the slums. I met the “voiceless” and desired to change their lives through the game. My biggest dream is to build a tennis center that will change lives of many underprivileged children countrywide.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS President and Founder
2006 – Present
Zion Zone Tennis Foundation; ZionZone.org Trainer 2015 – Present Kenya National Tennis Team
Professional Athlete Kenya National Tennis Team
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I was named after my Aunt Veronica because she could not have kids. My father wanted to make her happy by naming me after her.
136
GlobalSportsWomen.org
2002 – 2013
THE BIG THREE WITH
VERONICA OSOGO KENYA
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
1
To extend my program to target underprivileged and disabled young girls
2
To use the information I learn to teach other women who work with young girls
3
To encourage women to create programs that help the voiceless
THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I
I am social and like meeting new people, but I also love my privacy.
2
I am a tennis player by profession and enjoy being in the sports field.
3
I am a born-again Christian who likes serving people.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Sincere Well-Organized Hard-Working
Willing to Learn Disciplined Hardworking
@EWGTS
|
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident Risk-Taker Knowledgeable
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
137
KATHRYN CHAPPETTO Director Partnership Strategies WTA
Manager Global Administration & Projects WTA
In July 2014, KATHRYN
CINDY LUPKEY joined the
CHAPPETTO joined Women’s
Women’s Tennis Association in
Tennis Association (WTA) as
2011. She currently oversees
Director of Partnership Strategy.
global administration, leads
In this role, she is responsible
the organization’s charitable
for developing the partnership
initiatives, assists in management
growth strategy and establishing
of corporate culture, and is
brand connections between the
responsible for corporate events
WTA and its future partners. In
such as meetings, hospitality, and
addition, Kathryn works closely
the VIP experience.
with the digital, content and broadcast teams to identity new opportunities for existing and new WTA partners to increase brand exposure, create unique activations and maximize partners’ return on investment. Prior to joining the WTA, Kathryn spent 7 years in automotive marketing, often with FIAT Chrysler Automobiles
138
CINDY LUPKEY
Prior to joining the WTA, Cindy spent her time in the university setting, collaborating with professors to create academic youth programs at the University of South Carolina. She served as the Program Coordinator and live-in Residential Program Director. She then worked with the Tampa Bay division of National Public Radio (NPR)
Kathryn is a graduate of Florida
and the Public Broadcast
State University with Bachelor’s
System (PBS) at the University
degrees in Accounting and Sport
of Southern Florida where she
Management and the University
led the local volunteer program,
of Central Florida with an MBA
membership engagement, and
and a Masterw of Sport Business
planned the annual Membership
Management.
drive for the station.
GlobalSportsWomen.org
FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Kathryn: I just started paddle boarding and love it. Other than that, I can walk for miles and miles...all day, anywhere. I just love exploring! IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Cindy: Crayola has a color called, “Razzmatazz.” I would want it because I LOVE purples and magentas and because it’s called “Razzmatazz.” Who wouldn’t want to be the “Razzmatazz” crayon?! So fun!
THE BIG THREE WITH
KATHRYN CHAPPETTO & CINDY LUPKEY WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION
THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:
2
1
To support and guide our Emerging Leader and build a lifelong relationship with her
To expose our Emerging Leader to new experiences and real-life situations in sports
3
To provide a network to our Emerging Leader and learn from her
THREE THINGS I WANT OUR EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT US:
2
1
We believe in the motto, “Work hard, Play Hard.”
We are good listeners and value relationships.
3
Kathryn: I’m very honest. Cindy: I love traveling and experiencing new cultures.
QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Honest Enthusiastic Open-Minded
@EWGTS
|
Passionate Good Communicator Encouraging
#EmpowerWomen
|
Confident Driven Kind & Loyal
facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram
139